BATE give Shakhter credit after home loss

FC BATE Borisov striker Vitali Rodionov could only applaud after Sergei Khizhnichenko's goal allowed FC Shakhter Karagandy to steal a march on the group stage regulars in their UEFA Champions League second qualifying round opener in Borisov.

The Belarusian title holders beat FC Bayern München 3-1 at home last season, but could not break down a determined Shakhter side, and have a tough task ahead in Kazakhstan if they are to make it to the next stage after Tuesday's 1-0 loss. "We needed to apply more pressure in attack," rued Rodionov.

"We lacked creativity up front and down the flanks. But well done, Shakhter. They were very disciplined and effective. It will be a completely different game in Kazakhstan, but for now they have a right to celebrate. I think we are a bit too humble after we win games. You have to enjoy victories and let those positive emotions come out."

Shakhter coach Viktor Kumykov felt defensive tactics – and a subtle attempt to deceive the BATE scouts – had paid off in Borisov. "We knew that they are a stronger side so we deliberately played defensively," he explained. "The most important thing was not to concede, and we hoped to score on the break or from a set piece. The lads fulfilled the plan, but nothing has been decided yet because BATE are a very good side.

"We have been getting used to playing with five at the back in the league in Kazakhstan, specifically to prepare for the game against BATE," added the 50-year-old former goalkeeper. "However, we did not use that system when the BATE scouts came to watch our game against [FC] Tobol [Kostanay]."

Kumykov acknowledged BATE's strength, calling them "a very good team that control the ball very well" and gave a mention to Rodionov ("he gave us a lot of headaches"), but his opposite number Viktor Goncharenko did not share his assessment.

"We were too slow and predictable, especially in the second half," the 36-year-old said. "We lacked pace in attack. It was too easy for the other side to regroup after we attacked. We have to travel to Kazakhstan with more ideas and aggression up front, because our passing in the final third carried little threat."

Midfielder Aleksandr Pavlov shared his coach's disappointment. "We're very down," he said. "It seemed like we had total dominance and full control of the ball – we were finding space but rarely threatened. Even in our domestic league we do not see that much possession. Shakhter defended with their whole squad inside their own half. They held their line and got the result they wanted. But I want to underline that it is not the end of this tie."