Dynamo on cusp of unseating Shakhtar

FC Dynamo Kyiv need just a point from their remaining four matches to reclaim the Ukrainian title from UEFA Cup opponents FC Shakhtar Donetsk after both clubs won on Sunday, while Hamburger SV and Werder Bremen, who contest the other semi-final, both dropped points in the Bundesliga.

Dominant force
Dynamo may have been held 1-1 at home in their European opener by their chief domestic rivals, but they remain the dominant force in the Premier League this season after winning 1-0 at FC Zorya Luhansk, Tiberiu Ghioane scoring the only goal in the 52nd minute. Shakhtar were also victorious on their travels, Yevgen Seleznov finding the net in the 70th minute at FC Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih, yet the Donetsk giants need a miracle if they are to hang on to their crown as they trail Dynamo by 12 points after 26 rounds.

Hamburg held
Having beaten Bremen 1-0 in the UEFA Cup on Thursday, Hamburg's hopes of transferring that form to domestic competition – and moving to within three points of German leaders VfL Wolfsburg – were dashed by fellow high-flyers Hertha BSC Berlin as Gojko Kačar's 67th-minute strike earned the capital club a share of the spoils at the Arena Hamburg. Marcell Jansen had volleyed HSV in front with eight minutes played. Hamburg are fifth, 16 points clear of tenth-placed Bremen after Thomas Schaaf's side lost 1-0 at 1. FC Köln. Both UEFA Cup ties conclude on Thursday.