FC Metalist Kharkiv Vs. Bayer Leverkusen: Forwards Influential, Weather Affecting Play

It’s been an interesting start to the UEFA Europa League match between FC Metalist Kharkiv and Bayer Leverkusen, with both teams showing a willingness to attack, but with the weather obviously affecting play. It’s a balmy 15 degrees Fahrenheit in Kharkiv today, and everyone is wearing a snood. One might think that Leverkusen would be the more affected by the weather of the two teams, but Metalist have six South Americans in the team, two of which have just recently joined up. Both teams look slightly slow and robotic, but the pitch looks to be in very good condition despite the weather, allowing both teams to pass on the ground.

Both teams have forwards who have been very influential in the game by drifting around to find the ball and space to operate while bringing their teammates into the game. Metalist’s Taison and Bayer Leverkusen’s Eren Derdiyok have both looked very good in the early going.

Unfortunately, Metalist have already been forced into an early substitution due to injury. Defender Sergei Pshenichnikh had to come off in teh 15th minute, and was replaced by Andriy Berezovchuk in a like for like substitution.