UEFA Cup Final

It took extra time but Shakhtar Donetsk became the first Ukrainian side to win a European trophy, and the last holders of the now-defunct UEFA Cup, after beating Werder Bremen 2-1.

At first glance the bookies looked to have priced up the UEFA Cup final pretty much spot on, some unable to split the pair, but as kick-off approaches I’m warming more and more to the chances of Shakhtar and I think they can become the first Ukrainian side to win a European trophy by getting the better of Werder Bremen.

The match is taking place in Istanbul and while obviously Bremen will not have to cope with a partisan home crowd their dreadful away record is the first reason to favour Shakhtar. Bremen’s relative success in recent seasons has been built upon a terrific record at the Weserstadion but their efforts on their travels, more so domestically than in Europe, often leave a lot to be desired. It’s just two away wins all term in the Bundesliga and they’ll also have to make do without their star man.

Diego’s senseless yellow card in the semi-final victory over rivals Hamburg means that coach Thomas Schaaf will see his Brazilian playmaker sit out the final, the last UEFA Cup showpiece before the revamped Europa League comes into play next season, and there’s no escaping just how big of a blow that is.

Diego is a real talent, his absence is a loss for the game as a whole, and he is joined on the bench by Hugo Almeida who is also banned. That could be too much to ask for Bremen as while striker Claudio Pizarro leads the line well he relies heavily on terrific supply which may not come.

Both these sides entered this competition having finished third in their respective Champions League groups but Shakhtar look the more organised to me and there was a lot to like about their two-legged win over Dynamo Kiev in the last four. Diego’s fellow countryman Ilsinho’s late, late winner saw them through and I admire their team spirit.

Czech captain Dario Srna leads by example and having conceded just four goals in their eight knockout games since the last 32 onwards I certainly think they are more resolute than their opponents. Per Mertesacker is also missing for the Germans, the international centre back is injured, and I think the likes of Jadson and Fernandinho can take advantage.

Having put together such a terrific run in this competition and with the biggest prize domestically well out of Shakhtar’s reach they look primed for one big last performance and their energy and organisation could prove too much for Bremen. It might take a while, extra time looks a distinct possibility, but at slightly bigger prices they have to be the play and I’m really looking forward to the climax of what has been another highly exciting UEFA Cup campaign.