Dynamo stunned by fightback

By Igor Linnyk

FC Dynamo Kyiv suffered an unexpected home defeat as Trabzonspor came from behind to stun the Ukrainian champions in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League third qualifying round tie.

Initiative with Trabzonspor
All looked good for the hosts when they took the lead through a Maris Verpakovskis goal after 21 minutes but the initiative in the tie is now firmly with Trabzonspor after they responded through goals from Gökdeniz Karadeniz and Ibrahima Yattara.

Bright start
Dynamo began brightly and Maxim Shatskikh went close with a header in the ninth minute. Diogo Rincón then threatened with a free-kick before Gökdeniz gave the first indication of the Turkish side's attacking strength with a shot just wide of the post. Dynamo dropped back as the visitors began to push forward, with Yattara in particular asking questions of the hosts down the right wing.

Verpakovskis scores
Still, in the 21st minute, it was Dynamo who took the lead. Surging forward on the counterattack, Valentin Belkevich unleashed a shot from 20 metres and although Michael Petkovic blocked his effort, Verpakovskis struck the ball high into the net from the rebound.

Chances for both teams
The visitors were unfazed by the goal, however, and on 34 minutes Gökdeniz stole the ball off Dynamo goalkeeper Oleksandr Shovkovski and rolled the ball into the empty net. At 1-1, there were chances for both teams to score, Verpakovskis threatening with another effort on the rebound, this time after Jerko Leko's shot on goal, while the ever-dangerous Yattara's threatening run was stopped by Shovkovskiy.

Acute angle
In an effort to win the game, Dynamo coach Olexsii Mykhailychenko brought on Argentinian forward Roberto Nanni and Brazilian Rodolfo, normally a central defender but playing in a more advanced role in midfiled here. But while Dynamo went looking for the second goal, it was the Turkish club who scored it in the 65th minute. Yattara broke down the right, sidestepped his marker and shot in from an acute angle to give Trabzonspor a precious away victory.

Short step away
Fatih Tekke and Gökdeniz had further chances for the visitors before the final whistle blew on a match which leaves Dynamo with many questions to answer before the return leg on 25 August. As for Trabzonspor, last season's Turkish league runners-up, they now stand just a short step away from the Champions League proper.