Dynamo Kyiv – Sturm Graz

The teams are expected to delight their fans with a high-scoring football

In an extremely intense two-match clash, Dynamo got past Turkish side Fenerbahce. After a goalless first meeting, the teams were slightly more active in the second. It was their activity that led to a 1-1 draw in regulation time and a win for the Whites and Blues in extra time. Despite very difficult preparation (and the situation in general), Dynamo made it through with wisdom and determination. Although the team has not played anything other than friendlies since the beginning of the year, the foundations that were laid in previous years are very strong. "Dynamo have not suffered any losses in the transfer market (the departure of Verbic is unlikely to have a significant impact). Staking on Ukrainian performers, which has been done for a long time, might be very good this season. At least in the domestic arena. Thanks to their second place in the last Austrian championship, Sturm made it to the semi-finals of the Champions League qualifiers. The team has already made a start on the domestic scene. In the Austrian Cup, Rethys were thrashed 0-6, and in the Bundesliga, Christian Ilzer's side have three points after two games. "The Black and Whites drew 1-1 with Wolfsberg before beating last year's champions Salzburg 2-1. Last year, the team's attempts to qualify for European competitions were unsuccessful. The Austrians were eliminated from UEFA Champions League qualification after losing to Ajax in both games, and from Europa League qualification after losing to Norway's Høugesund. The team as a whole is not a particular visitor to the group stages of international competition, but the current circumstances give them some hope. The cautiousness of the first game against the Turkish club is due to both sides' lack of understanding of their opponent's form. Fenerbahce have changed their coach and rejuvenated their squad, while Dynamo were not in the clearest of form. The start of the Ukrainian team's official matches will loosen the hands of both sides. Sturm are a very attacking side: Last season, they managed to take 62 shots on goal. At the same time, the Austrians also concede a lot. We can hardly expect the opponents to be relaxed. In a nominally home game, the Kyivians will try to take the initiative, but an ornate opponent is unlikely to be happy about it. The clubs will score at least two goals. But, quite probably, it will not stop there.