Goalkeeper Varukuta delivered a crucial save to help "Metalist 1925" secure a point in a goalless draw against "Obolon" in the opening round of the Ukrainian Premier League.
"Both teams created good chances, but the goalkeepers were on top form today," a club representative noted after the final whistle.
The Kyiv "brewers" came close to breaking the deadlock when Ustimenko headed the ball from just meters away, only for Varukuta to make a spectacular save. Metalist responded with a long-range effort from Rashitsa, but Obolon's keeper Marchenko was equally impressive between the posts.
Interestingly, the Kharkiv side could have snatched all three points in the closing stages. Churko, who came on as a substitute for Panchenko in the 58th minute, managed to dribble past two Obolon defenders but fired wide from a promising position.
The match saw three yellow cards handed out – Kalitvinsev for the hosts, while Shevchenko and Dubko were booked for the visitors. Both teams made multiple substitutions, with Metalist bringing on Churko, Kogut, Ari and Mba throughout the second half.
Worth noting that this stalemate gives both teams their first point of the new campaign. The question now remains – will either side find their scoring touch in the next round?
