ĦAMRUN SPARTANS 0
S. DONETSK 2
Meirelles 61; Isaque 64
ĦAMRUN SPARTANS
H. Bonello, R. Compri, E. Marcelina (74 S. Xerri), O. Bjelicic, R. Camenzuli, J. Mbong (65 M. El Fanis), A. Coric, N’ Koffi (65 S. Attard), M. Garcia, J. Cadenovic (74 D. Simkus), S. Smajlagic (65 S. Meijier).
S. DONETSK
K. Fesiun, I. Azarov (88 M. Faryna), V. Bondar, A. Ghram, Y. Konoplia (46 V. Tobias), Y. Nazaryna, L. Ferreira, Isaque, A. Bondarenko (46 O. Ocheretko), Pedrino (67 Eguinaldo), L. Meirelles (80 K. Elias).
Referee: Floriana Badstubner (Germany).
Yellow cards: Konoplia, Ocheretko, Mbong, Attard.
Ħamrun Spartans put on a gutsy display but was still not enough to prolong their dream of reaching the Play Offs of the UEFA Conference League after suffering a 2-0 defeat to Ukrainian giants Shakhtar Donetsk.
It was a frustrating night for the Malta champions, who for more than an hour, more than matched their more-quoted opponents with their high pressing and their quick attacking forays.
The Spartans adopted an aggressive approach and had their opportunities to strike against Shakhtar.
But in the end, the superior quality of the Ukrainians came to the fore midway through the second half as quick-fire goals from Meireles and Isaque settled the match in the Ukrainians’ favour and sealed their place in the Round of 16 of the competition.
For the Spartans, the defeat meant that they cannot finish in the Top 24 positions, which would mean a place in February’s Play-offs.
But still, their focus will now turn on next week’s clash in Dublin against Shamrock Rovers which will see them with a chance to add to their three-point tally and end what has been an historic European campaign in some style.
Ħamrun Spartans coach Giacomo Modica made several changes to his starting formation, with Ognjen Bjelicic drafted into the heart of a three-man defence in the absence of Vincenzo Polito, who is serving a one-match ban.
Ante Coric and Jovan Cadenovic, who had started the 3-1 win over Lincoln Red Imps of Gibraltar from the bench, were promoted to the starting formation and will partner Matias Garcia.
Upfront Bosnian forward Semar Smaljagic was handed a central attacking role, with N’Dri Koffi moved to the flank, with Saliou Thioune relegated to the bench.
As one expected, Shakhtar Donetsk dominated possession for much of the opening minutes with the Spartans soaking up the pressure and trying to hit their opponents with quick forays through their pacey forwards.
On 10 minutes, Ħamrun Spartans threatened when Coric found Compri at the far post, and the Brazilian immediately sent a cross towards the unmarked Joseph Mbong, who just failed to make contact with the ball in front of a gaping goal.
Shakhtar came close on 22 minutes when Artem Bondarenko was found in space inside the area, but Matias Garcia, who was well-positioned, blocked his shot.
Three minutes later, Bonello was forced to effect his first save when he showed great reflexes to push away Lucas Ferreira’s shot.
The Spartans were looking impressive, given the quality of their opponents, as they were pressing high up the pitch, making life difficult for the Ukrainians to build their attacks.
Six minutes from the break, the Spartans came close to an opener when, in a swift break, Mbong picked Coric just inside the area, and the Croatian’s stinging drive was pushed away by Shakhtar goalkeeper Kiril Fesiun.
Just before the half-time whistle, Mbong hit a low drive that was well saved by Feisun.
Coach Arda Turan was clearly not happy with his team’s performance, which was reflected when he made two substitutions when Vinicius Tobias and Oleh Ocheretko replaced Yukym Konoplia and Artem Bondarenko.
On 55 minutes, Cadenovic intercepted the ball at half-pitch and immediately served Mbong. The Malta winger, seeing the Shakhtar goalkeeper out of position, tried to surprise him but fired over.
Shakhtar responded with Ocheretko, who turned past his marker but fired over.
Bonello came to the Spartans’ rescue on the hour mark when he pulled off two quick-fire reflex saves to deny Otcheretko.
But Shakhtar struck in their next chance when Azarov’s cross picked Lucas Meirelles who beat the offside trap and beat Bonello.
Ħamrun were rattled, and a minute later, the visitors struck again when Pedrinho set up Isaque, who chipped the ball over Bonello and into the net.
Shakhtar kept coming for more, and on 78 minutes Bonello produced a fine reflex save to deny Ferreira.
Ħamrun responded with a Shaisen Attard shot that finished just over.
