Mykola Shaparenko scored the only goal as "Dynamo" Kyiv started their 2025/26 Ukrainian Premier League campaign with a 1-0 away victory against Veres Rivne.
The midfielder's decisive strike came in the 14th minute, giving the capital club all three points in what proved to be a tight contest at Rivne's home stadium. His well-executed finish proved enough to separate the sides in this season opener.
"We focused on getting a positive result to start the season properly. Every point matters in this championship, especially away victories," a Dynamo representative might have noted after the match.
The win gives Oleksandr Shovkovskyi's team a perfect start to their domestic campaign as they juggle multiple competitions. The "white and blues" now face a busy schedule with continental action coming up midweek.
Interestingly, Dynamo will have little time to celebrate this victory. On Tuesday, they'll face Cypriot side Paphos FC in Poland for the first leg of their UEFA Champions League third qualifying round tie. A crucial fixture that could determine their European fate this season.
The lineups showed some familiar faces for both sides. Andriy Yarmolenko featured for Dynamo before being substituted in the 75th minute for Ponomarenko. For the hosts, Horoh started in goal while their attack was led by Ndukwe, who was replaced by Wolli in the 71st minute.
Both teams will return to league action next Friday, August 8th. "Dynamo" travels to face Rukh Lviv, while Veres will visit Poltava. Can the Kyiv side maintain their momentum across these multiple fronts?
That opening goal from Shaparenko could prove vital when the final league standings are calculated. Three points secured. Job done.
