Shakhtar End 'UEFA Cup'

Keepers take centre stage

This evening marked the end of the road for the UEFA Cup as we know it. Shakhtar Donetsk’s extra-time 2-1 win over Werder Bremen in Istanbul was the last UEFA Cup Final before the competition is re-branded the ‘UEFA Europa League’. The change of name is one attempt to boost the competition’s profile and contend with the more prestigious ‘UEFA Champions League’. The current set-up had its critics with many skeptical about the bizarre format comprising 8 groups of 5 teams in a single round robin. But, whatever fans may say, you can bet your bottom dollar that Tim Weise will be glad to see the back of the UEFA Cup.

Pyatov's error all but forgotten

While Werder players and supporters reflect on a difficult night’s work, they will collectively rue the absence of their talisman forward Diego, out due to suspension. Though both sets of teams fought admirably throughout the 120 minutes, it was an individual mistake that decided the match. Had goalie Tim Weise not committed an outrageous fumble in extra-time that led to Rodrigues Jadson putting Shakhtar ahead, Bremen might be celebrating at this moment. But Tim Weise’s counterpart at Shakhtar, Andriy Pyatov must not be left off that easily. Earlier in the match Pyatov tried to steal the show when he clumsily diverted a Ronaldo Naldo free-kick into the back of his own net. While both goalies committed massive errors at critical stages in the match, thankfully for Pyatov his teammates were able to atone for his mistake and all is forgiven.