While the country continues to live with the realities of war, football has returned to Ukraine amid extraordinarily emotional scenes at the NSC Olimpiyskiy in Kyiv on Tuesday.
Shakhtar Donetsk drew 0-0 with Metalist 1925 Kharkiv in the opening match of the 2022-23 Ukrainian Premier League season, which promises to be a campaign like no other due to the ongoing war waged by Russia across the nation.
Almost six months to the day since Russian troops invaded, there was an eerie feeling as the two teams emerged to empty stands shortly before kick-off knowing that air raid sirens could go off at any moment to bring an early close to proceedings.
With player and officials alike draped in a national flag, another was run up the flag pole ahead of the game to the sound of a heart-breaking rendition of the national anthem. There was also a poignant video address from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to mark the return of professional sport on the Day of the National Flag of Ukraine.
Before the match began a wounded soldier limped onto the pitch in full uniform and with a Shakhtar scarf hung around his neck to perform a ceremonial kick-off. It was an incredible symbol of what the country has been through since the 2021-22 season was abandoned ahead of its spring resumption. The sight was all too much for Shakhtar striker Danylo Sikan, who had to wipe away tears before getting the game underway.
There had been many onlookers in the build-up to the match doubting the wisdom of playing football in the middle of a war, suggesting that football games simply served as an opportunity for a high-profile attack from Russian forces. But this gave Ukraine the chance to show to the world the stoicism and bravery of its people.
In total, 20 of the 22 starters and 40 of the 43 players in the matchday squads were Ukrainian, with the home side giving new Brazilian signing Lucas Taylor his debut after arriving on loan from Paok on the eve of the game. Aside from Taylor, Shakhtar’s Neven Durasek and Metalist sub Wendel were the only imports.
The match itself played second fiddle to the occasion, with two sides who had played only friendlies since December 2021 understandably taking some time to truly settle. And while Shakhtar came close more than once in the second half, not least from a couple of chances which fell for substitute Oleh Ocheretko, Metalist held out for a share of the spoils.
It might not be the triumphant return of football that many Ukrainians will have envisioned during the more hopeful moments of the horrific last six months, but this was one small step towards something approaching normality in a country which continues to long for some form of lasting peace.
