A light in times of darkness | OneFootball

Football is regarded as the most important unimportant thing in the world. In Ukraine, it has been clear for more than two years that there are far more important things than sport. But football brings many people hope and joy in times of war. As a result, the matches on the European stage in particular have taken on added significance.

From a sporting perspective, the 3-0 defeat against Lazio was the worst-possible start to the Europa League for Dynamo Kyiv. And even though only 7,751 spectators came to the stadium, the signs of solidarity at the alternative venue were clearly visible. The Ukrainian clubs have become homeless at European level, with Dynamo Kyiv now relocating to Hamburg's Volksparkstadion after Shakhtar Donetsk had previously done so last year. Only league matches are still allowed to be played on Ukrainian soil – and even those are heavily influenced by the war.

The number of spectators permitted depends on the circumstances of the war. Large crowds are to be avoided, which is why only small numbers of fans can follow the matches at present. Those who are allowed to go to the stadium are currently seeing the capital club and record champions in strong form. Dynamo Kyiv have won six of their first seven games of the season and are top of the table. Eternal rivals Shakhtar are already six points behind after seven rounds of matches and, following the latter's two titles in succession and the cancellation of the 2021/22 season due to the war, the record champions want to reclaim the crown for the first time in four years this season.

The team's great strength lies in their unpredictability. So far this season, 11 different players have scored 14 goals and no player has netted more than two. Dynamo usually play in a 4-3-3 formation. "They're a team that are strong in possession, they take a dominant approach," said TSG coach Pellegrino Matarazzo of the Ukrainians.

According to coach Oleksandr Shovkovskyi, the defeat against Lazio provided important insights. "Opponents don't allow you to make mistakes at this level. We had chances, but made too many mistakes in defence. We conceded two goals through the middle, which is unacceptable," analysed the coach after the defeat.

The team will be aiming to produce a better performance in Sinsheim than they did at Hamburg's Volksparkstadion last week – and also to send a positive message back home.