Shakhtar Donetsk Vs. Roma: 3-0 (6-2) Win Over Giallorossi Sees First Ukraine Team Into Champions League Quarterfinals

Shakhtar Donetsk has become the first Ukrainian team to qualify for the quarterfinals of Champions League, earning a 3-0 win over a Roma team that played the last half of the match down a man. Combined with Shakhtar’s 3-2 win three weeks ago in Rome, Ukraine’s champions are easily through to the final eight, with Roma failing to garner the post-Claudio Ranieri bounce for which many had hoped.

Instead, it was a disappointing Champions League debut for Vincenzo Montella, the legendary player making his first foray into the competition as coach. However, Tomas Hübschman quickly rained on Montella’s debut, coming from deep midfield to flick a rolling cross from left of goal onto the far post, the sharp-angle shot making it 1-0, Shakhtar. The goal meant Roma would need to score three times to eliminate their hosts.

Shakhtar sacrificed possession for shape for the remainder of the first half, though minutes before halftime, the Ukranians sealed the match without scoring a goal. In the 41st minute, Philippe Mexès picked-up a second yellow card, leaving his team chasing goals, down a man.

The Shakhtar advantage paid off early in the second half. In the 58th minute, right back Darijo Srna rolled a ball across the box for left wing Willian, who opened his foot onto a 16-yard shot from the left of goal, curling a ball well inside the far post to give Shakhtar a 5-2 lead on aggregate.

Substitute Eduardo added a late goal, long after Roma had conceded the match. Skakhtar advances to the Champions League quarterfinals with a four goal win over the Giallorossi.