With nothing to play for but respect and UEFA money and coefficient points, the Dynamo Kyiv vs RFS clash may prove to be more heated than appearances would suggest.
The Europa league stage is set to conclude with an intriguing clash between two teams that know one another quite well – FC RFS and FC Dynamo Kyiv. While both teams got some results in their previous match (RFS beating Ajax 1-0 and Dynamo drawing Galatasaray 3-3) both are also eliminated and have nothing but respect and UEFA money and coefficient points to play for.
Baltic Football News interviewed British-Ukrainian sports journalist Andrew Todos, who also hosts the Zorya Londonsk podcast, to discuss Dynamo Kyiv’s performances across various competitions – from their domestic dominance in the Ukrainian Premier League to their struggles in the Europa League – amidst challenging circumstances of the ongoing invasion.
Dynamo Kyiv’s Domestic Dominance in the Ukrainian Premier League
Despite their disappointing Europa League campaign, Dynamo Kyiv have excelled domestically. At the winter break, they sit atop the Ukrainian Premier League standings, demonstrating consistency and resilience. Their strong form includes critical victories over FC Oleksandriya and a hard-fought draw against perennial rivals Shakhtar Donetsk. Dynamo’s ability to grind out results against competitive sides highlights their dominance in a league significantly impacted by the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The logistical challenges of playing during wartime have not deterred Dynamo Kyiv. With games often interrupted by air raid warnings and in light of subsequently limited fan attendance, their perseverance is commendable. Matches are played under extraordinary conditions. For Europa League games Kyiv have had to take long train journeys in short time-periods to get to neutral ground stadiums.
Dynamo Kyiv’s Europa League Struggles
In stark contrast to their domestic success, Dynamo Kyiv have found the Europa League to be a difficult proving ground. Rooted to the bottom of the table, they have failed to match the performances of Ukrainian rivals such as Shakhtar Donetsk on the European stage. Manager, Oleksandr Shovkovskyi, has often opted to rotate his squad for Europa League games, prioritising domestic success over continental ambitions.
Their recent 3-3 draw against Galatasaray offered glimpses of potential, with veteran Andriy Yarmolenko delivering a standout performance, coming in off the bench and scoring two goals. However, the team’s overall inconsistency and defensive frailties have hampered their campaign. The inability to play home fixtures in Ukraine has further complicated their European journey, adding to the physical and emotional toll of constant travel.
Star Striker Spotlight: Vladyslav Vanat
Dynamo Kyiv’s standout performer this season is the 22-year-old striker Vladyslav Vanat. Currently the top scorer in the Ukrainian Premier League, Vanat’s pace and predatory instincts make him a constant threat to opposition defenses. Unlike traditional target men, Vanat thrives on running into space, exploiting defensive gaps with his quick feet and sharp movement.
His rise to prominence reflects Dynamo’s ability to nurture young talents even amid challenging circumstances. As the team’s main goal-scoring threat, Vanat will be crucial in their efforts against RFS and beyond.
Not-so-Dynamic Tactics and Managerial Approach
Oleksandr Shovkovskyi, Dynamo Kyiv’s manager, has employed a flexible tactical approach this season. The team’s standard setup is a 4-3-3 formation, with wingers providing width and a holding midfielder offering defensive cover. However, Shovkovskyi has occasionally experimented with a back three, particularly in tougher Europa League fixtures against teams like Roma and Viktoria Plzeň. These tactical shifts have yielded poor results, reflecting the team’s struggles to adapt when needed.
Key midfielders such as Vitaliy Buyalskyi and young talent Mykola Shaparenko (currently suspended) provide creativity, while the defense’s lack of experience often places added pressure on the midfield to shield the backline. Shovkovskyi’s rotation policy in Europe has also impacted the team’s rhythm, as second-string players have struggled to replicate the quality of the first XI.
Dynamo Dodgy Defensive Woes and Inexperience
Dynamo Kyiv’s leaky defense has been a significant concern this season. Injuries to key defenders like Denys Popov have forced the team to rely on younger, less experienced players. 21-year-old centre-back Maksym Dyachuk has shown promise but has been thrust into high-pressure situations, including challenging Europa League fixtures.
Adding to their defensive vulnerabilities is the transition in goalkeeping duties. With longtime goalkeeper Heorhiy Bushchan likely to depart for Saudi Arabia, Dynamo has turned to their under-21 national Ukrainian goalkeeper Ruslan Neshcheret, who is still finding his feet at the senior level. These defensive issues have contributed to Dynamo conceding heavily in Europe, including a disastrous 4-0 loss to Hungarians Ferencvárosi TC.
FC RFS and the Dynamo Kyiv Connection
A fascinating subplot to this fixture is the persona of FC RFS’s club director, Māris Verpakovskis. A minor legend at Dynamo Kyiv, Verpakovskis famously scored in a memorable 2-2 draw against Real Madrid during his time at the Ukrainian club. His enduring connection to Dynamo Kyiv adds an emotional dimension to this game, highlighting the links between the two clubs who regulatrly play pre-season friendlies against one another in recent years (including another one to be played this year in February) but have never clashed in a competitive fixture. RFS are yet to win Dynamo in any of these friendly matches.
As RFS and Dynamo Kyiv face off in Hamburg on January 30th, the game promises an intriguing narrative shaped by Dynamo’s contrasting fortunes, tactical experimentation, and the rich history shared between these two clubs. Whether Dynamo can overcome their defensive frailties and end their Europa League campaign on a positive note remains to be seen.
With limited expected attendance, don’t anticipate an electrifying atmosphere. However, RFS has everything to play for as they continue their mission to elevate Baltic football and establish themselves as a growing threat to future competitors.
Where will both teams finish? For RFS, could this Europa League campaign be an essential growth phase and a stepping stone into the upper echelons of European competitive football or will the already historic win against Ajax remain a one-off for the time being?