Vexed Bogush confident Dynamo will progress

FC Dynamo Kyiv goalkeeper Stanislav Bogush admitted that the lax defending that allowed FC Shakhtar Donetsk to leave the Ukrainian capital with a 1-1 draw has given their rivals "a huge advantage" in their UEFA Cup semi-final tie, though he did not have to look too hard to find cause for optimism.

Defensive lapse
Dynamo seemed destined to have a lead to take to Donetsk next Thursday at half-time, 1-0 up and well on top. Yet Shakhtar came back well, the introduction of Willian providing further impetus and it was the 20-year-old Brazilian, scorer of the only goal when the sides met in Donetsk in November, who finally broke Dynamo's defensive resolve as his cross was scrambled in by Fernandinho. "I'm very disappointed that we allowed them to score in Kiev," Bogush said. "I couldn't do anything about it. Our defence allowed Willian to get through them very easily, his cross was very dangerous and that was it – it gives Shakhtar a huge advantage ahead of the return."

Valencia hope
The friendly exchange of team flags that took place between rival fans after full time at the Valeriy Lobanovskiy Stadium will be replaced next week by contrasting emotions of despair and joy, when Ukraine's representatives in Istanbul on 20 May will be confirmed. And despite his apparent pessimism, Bogush is confident it will be Dynamo. "We believe we are able to get the necessary result in Donetsk," said the 25-year-old, drawing parallels with the Round of 32 when the Bilo-Syni drew 1-1 with Valencia CF in Kiev, following it up with a 2-2 draw at the Mestalla as they progressed on away goals. "We were in the same situation against Valencia and in my opinion Valencia are a better team than Shakhtar. I'm confident we will go through to the final."