Patrick van Leeuwen analyzed his team's tactical execution after Kryvbas secured a 3-2 away win against "Zorya" Luhansk in the third round of the Ukrainian Premier League. The Dutch coach pointed to their strong start as key to the victory.
"We started very well today. As planned, we created our moments — executed our passes, quick transitions, and it paid off," van Leeuwen explained at the post-match press conference.
The visitors built a two-goal advantage in the first half but missed opportunities to extend their lead further. Instead, "Zorya" began gaining momentum, particularly targeting Kryvbas's left flank toward the end of the first 45 minutes.
After the break, van Leeuwen adjusted his defensive setup, with the changes bringing immediate dividends. Zaderaka converted what the coach described as a "fantastic goal" following an excellent pass from Shevchenko to make it 3-0.
However, the hosts quickly responded with a goal of their own, creating a tense finish. "Both teams started playing with even more commitment," van Leeuwen noted.
Interestingly, the Kryvbas coach refused to categorize opponents in the UPL, stating that all clubs are equal in his eyes. "I don't divide them based on emotional principles. We try to give our all in every match, regardless of who we face," he added.
The victory demonstrates progress for "Kryvbas," though van Leeuwen emphasized they remain a work in progress. "We're a young team trying to integrate our ideas into the Ukrainian championship. We're constantly improving and looking for players who can strengthen our squad."
By sticking to their aggressive game plan of pressuring the opposition and creating chances, Kryvbas earned three valuable points. Can this young team maintain their momentum as the 2025/26 season progresses?
