Anishchenko, Bendera, Digtyar, Demchenko and the “local Rykun”: the entire team of the week of the second stage of the First League

Sport Arena names the symbolic team of the second game week of the second stage of the First League of the 2024/25 season

Game program of the week

The best personalities and key figures of the tour are here .

Goalkeeper – Ilya Olkhovoy (Nyva Ternopil)

Niva scored their biggest win since the brand's restart, but who knows how things would have turned out without the reliable play of their goalkeeper. After all, even before the break, Olkhovoy had dealt with several accurate long-range shots from Kirichenko, Prikhodko and Vorona – and if he had released the ball or deflected it to the opponent, Dinaz could have taken advantage of the opportunity on this snowy field, where every touch mattered. And at the very beginning of the second half, with Virt's team leading by a small margin, Ilya diverted a penalty kick from Kirichenko to a corner with his fingertips. It was this moment, in our opinion, that finally turned the game from a shaky score to a rout.

• Best in the Champion Group: Daniil Kanevtsev ( Bukovina )

Right defender – Yuriy Radulsky ( Prykarpattya )

Firstly, it should be noted that in Prykarpattia the competition on the flanks has increased significantly – and on the right in defense Radulskyi faced such an experienced and well-equipped competitor as Romanyuk. The former defender of Volyn, Dnipro-1, Chornomorets and a number of other UPL clubs started the match against Kremen quite brightly, although later he “got fed up” a bit on the sticky pitch in difficult weather conditions. But Radulskyi from the bench significantly enlivened the game and played more reliably than his colleague on the left flank, who could not keep up with the promising duo of Kremen Tilokha-Molko. It was Yuriy who scored the winning goal from a free kick earned by the hard-working Barchuk – a goal that we will definitely include in the extended list of the best in the 2024/25 season. It will be nice to see such a selection!

• The best in the Champion Group: Nikolay Buzhin ( SC Poltava )

Central defender – Evgeniy Misyura ( SK Poltava )

The Citizens ended a tough trip to Volochysk with a strong-willed victory, and Misyura was among those who did a lot for this significant success. Firstly, it was Evgeniy who scored the winning goal, substituting himself on reflex when Plakhtyr put the ball from a free kick into the crossbar, and thus the defender played on the rebound. Secondly, Misyura had more good than bad in his defensive play. Although Agrobiznes scored early (and Evgeniy's zone missed the goalscorer Kasimov), and in general created many problems for the visitors, Misyura did a lot to push Voytikhovsky to the periphery and thereby reduce the threat to Voskonyan's goal.

• Best in the Elimination Group: Andrey Demidenko (Nyva Ternopil)

Central defender – Gabriel Gomez ( Metalist )

The attacking potential of Metalist 1925 is very high – the highest in the PFL today, because the team includes the most technical playmaker Yurchenko and winger Ari Moura, strong forwards led by the Nigerian newcomer Mba, as well as a whole selection of players for various types of play – from masters of dribbling to power giants. But Anishchenko's defensive link played beyond all praise in the derby, using all the advantages of its tactical scheme – a transformer and setting up interesting ambushes, traps for the strongest individual opponents. As a result of this wonderful preparation, Gomez, for example, won a tough fight at his goal. And also – scored the only goal in the match, masterfully closing the pass from the set piece.

• Best in the Elimination Group: Artem Kozlov ( Metallurg )

Left back – Kirill Digtyar ( Metalist )

The sale of Sinchuk left Digtyar as Metalist's main asset – the UPL record holder as the youngest debutant plays in the First League already in quite adult football. Thus, in the match against Metalist 1925, Kirill several times magnificently slowed down Ari Moura – the best winger of the first stage of the season. Playing in constant interaction with Gomez, Vernattus and Isaenko, Digtyar covered long distances and managed to work both on defense and attack. It was he who assisted Gomez with a soft pass from a free kick, when the Brazilian brilliantly got ahead of his opponent and headed the ball into the goal.

• Best in the Elimination Group: Milan Mikhalchuk ( Nyva Ternopil )

Central midfielder – Vitaly Koltsov ( Bukovina )

Shakhtar alumnus Koltsov once played an important role in two First League champion teams at once: Mariupol in 2017 and Ingulets in 2024. Now it is difficult to overestimate the role that Vitaliy plays in Bukovyna, a team that generally strives for the same achievements. Koltsov's legacy includes difficult, methodical work in the center of the field, which did not allow Kudrovka to show all its capabilities on a snowy field. In particular, we can link the clear actions of the breakwater cleaner to the blocking of such an interesting football player as Kozak. And it was Koltsov who understood Plaksa's pass in time and shot the goal, scoring the winning goal for his team. To win in a blizzard against such an opponent after an exhausting exit to the semi-finals of the Ukrainian Cup is a remarkable achievement, Bukovyna deservedly left the last place in the top eight.

• Best in the Elimination Group: Nikita Sitnikov ( YUKSA )

Right midfielder – Denis Galenkov ( SC Poltava )

Let's put Galenkov on the right side in the interests of the symbolic team – he played very stubbornly in Volochysk, giving, in our opinion, his best match for SC Poltava against his former teammates. It was Denis who could have opened the scoring with a pass from his equally active flank colleague Odaryuk, but he rehabilitated himself for the miss just before the break. It was Denis who sent the ball from his side, which Odaryuk sent into the net in one touch before the goalkeeper. At one point, after Galenkov's pass, the ball hit Gavrushko's hand – the referee did not award a penalty. But after the break, the winger earned a penalty kick, after which Misyura scored the winning goal with a follow-up.

• Best in the Elimination Group: Andrey Bay (Nyva Ternopil)

Attacking midfielder – Andrey Bezhenar ( Epicenter)

The midfield of Nagornyak and Naduda played at a high level – both Andriy Bezhenar and Nikolay Mironyuk deserve high marks for their combination play. However, of course, first of all we will note Bezhenar. His progressive through-balls and fights constantly intensified the game, and it was Andriy who assisted on the goals of S. Krystin and Mironyuk. Of course, we must take into account the absence of Castro, Gabriel and the fact that Mateus Pagliarini was on the bench – with them, YUKSA would have caused much more problems for the hosts. But even taking into account the personnel problems of the visitors, Bezhenar's play left a very strong impression. Where the UPL selectors were looking all these years – I have no idea. Perhaps, as for modern realities, a kind of “local Rykun” is now playing well in the later years of his career at Epicenter.

• Best in the Elimination Group: Mikhail Rasko (FC Minaj )

Left midfielder – Ivan Bendera ( Epicenter )

In the absence of the disqualified Kravchuk and several injured key players, it was scary for Epicenter's attack. However, all questions were removed by the same Bendera, a local pupil and favorite. At a difficult moment, when YUKSA was leading in the score, the nominally active winger, who had moved forward – in place of the absent Daniil, closed the pass by Tanchik and equalized the numbers on the scoreboard. Ivan could have scored more, he actively combined. But it was at an important moment of the shootout in the last minutes (and five of the seven goals of the match were scored from the 81st minute and later) that Bendera scored what was effectively the winning goal after a quality longball by Moroz.

• Best in the Elimination Group: Maryan Mysik ( Nyva Ternopil )

On the falling – Anton Demchenko (FC Minaj)

The First League hasn't seen such an interesting forward for a long time! Shakhtar alumnus Demchenko scores for the second match in a row after moving to the Transcarpathian club, but that's not even the main thing. Anton makes great runs, senses the moment, and ends up where he needs to be. He opened the scoring by harshly receiving a cross pass from Rasko, but he used the opportunity that opened up before him brilliantly and fired into the goal from a seemingly awkward position. Twice more Demchenko sent the ball into the net from an offside position, and several more times he made dangerous plays and shots. If he continues at this level, this 20-year-old forward won't be in the lower leagues for long.

• Best in the Champion Group: Oleg Kozhushko (Bukovina)

Forward – Dmitry Galadey ( Nyva Ternopil )

Also, Galadey scored for the second round in a row, and we are pleased that even after Riznyk left for the UPL, Nyva is the leader of the attacks. An active, persistent and somewhat unconventional striker was constantly looking for a chance to score. What is the moment when Dmitry shot through himself while falling and completely hit the goal of Dinaz – but Sledzevsky saved the guests by that time. But Galadey's persistence, his active participation in the game were rewarded when he blocked a pass from Bey. Now he repeated Riznyk's indicator – seven goals for the most accurate players of the Ternopil team.

• Best in the Champion Group: Maksim Voytikhovsky (Agribusiness )

Team of the 2nd week of the second stage of the First League. Illustration by pfl.ua Coach of the week – Andrey Anishchenko (Metalist) Coach of the week of the 1st round of the Champions group and the 2nd round of the Elimination group of the First League. Illustration by pfl.ua

The Kharkiv derby is the main match of the round under any circumstances, especially since there are only three points between the rivals and the clubs have such different development, selection and staffing philosophies. Let's be honest, Metalist 1925 had a huge advantage in terms of the estimated value of the players, team, coaching and performance experience, staffing capabilities and squad depth. However, Metalist put forward an original tactical scheme with a saturated central block and free, creative flanks, thanks to which it was able to neutralize many of the strengths of its opponent. The only goal in the match – a “goal into the locker room” after a penalty – only emphasized the quality of Anishchenko's work, because if a younger and less experienced team works well on set pieces, this is evidence of serious preparation and analysis. The won derby improves Metalist's tournament position and confirms that the current Kharkiv team has good prospects and can develop to an even higher level.

• Analysis from the All-Ukrainian Association of Football Coaches – here.

Joker of the week – Yuriy Radulsky (Prykarpattia)

We have significant competition this week. In Ternopil's Nyva, Andriy Bay and Ivan Palamarchuk made a great start to the game, helping to crush Dinaz. In Khmelnytskyi Podillya, Yevhen Profatilo saved his team from defeat against the strong Viktoria Sumy in his debut match. And what Radulskyi did against Kremne! Having found himself under pressure from the experienced newcomer Romanyuk, this time Yuriy came on as a substitute, but brought victory to Prykarpattya with a direct free kick. A weighty argument in the fight for a place in the starting lineup and an open “line” in the track record of a footballer who, it turns out, can compete for breaking set pieces!

• SportArena.com statistics: 15 league matches, 1 goal, 2 assists.

Evgeniy Profatilo Best Young Player of the Week – Evgeniy Profatilo (Podolye)

A significant selection success for Podillya. This club traditionally pays great attention to local alumni, and in the winter it signed several experienced newcomers, because it faces a difficult task – to escape the relegation zone and save a place in the First League. And in the match with Viktoria Sumy, a two-time quarterfinalist of the Ukrainian Cup and the rating leader of the Elimination Group, the Khmelnytskyi team could have lost at home, but they were saved by 19-year-old newcomer Profatilo. The alumnus of FC Berdychiv with the school of Zhytomyr Poliesie made his debut in the First League and scored a saving goal in his first appearance as a substitute. This strong-willed draw is of great importance for Podillya, who really need points to get out of the danger zone.

• SportArena.com statistics: 1 league match, 1 goal.

Goal of the week – Ivan Palamarchuk (Nyva Ternopil → Dinaz)

In such weather conditions, the First League gave us a good choice! In fact, every goal of the spectacular match Epicenter – YUKSA – 4:3 could have been here. Zaporizhzhya's Varyanik Minaiu scored with a beautiful pass. A magnificent penalty kick was made by the Carpathian Radulsky. However, we suggest just watching how Ternopil's Palamarchuk cut his shot. We quote the report: “In the 74th minute, the hosts scored again. After a pass from Mysik, Palamarchuk hit the far corner with a gorgeous shot – 4:0. This goal should become the highlight of the entire tour.”

The goal can be seen in the video from 1:48:53

[soundcloud src='_1S2FSktKHU&t=6533s']

Hero of the 1st round of the first stage of the First League. Illustration by pfl.ua Hero of the week – Ivan Bendera (Epicenter)

Read later on our website an interview with the player who scored twice in the match against YUKSA, which they won 4:3.

• SportArena.com statistics: 16 league matches, 5 goals, 3 assists.

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ALL THE BEST IN THE TOUR: goalkeeper, joker, young player, goalscorer – in one article. On our website – individual nominations in the First League and tour figures!

P.S. When preparing the material, photographs of official club resources were used. The material was written by the author in Ukrainian.