Football European Cup Hosted By Zaporizhia

Only twice in the history of "Slavutich-Arena" took the European Cup. It was in 2006.

And 12 years ago, local fans finally saw the European Cups at home. For a start, the Cossacks easily dealt with the Moldavian Zimbru (0: 0, 3: 0). But in the next round they got the famous “Panathinaikos”.

Football European Cup Hosted By Zaporizhia

Few people believed that the team that got into the European Cups only as a finalist of the Ukrainian Cup was not something that the Greeks would pass, but would even impose a serious struggle on them. But Sergei Yashchenko's charges surprised. In Athens, Salpingidis opened the scoring in the 10th minute, and no one was surprised. But “Metallurg” managed not only to not miss more, but also won back at the beginning of the second half by the efforts of Alexey Godin. An effective draw on the road meant that the Cossacks could be closed at home and withstand zero.

The rush around the second home European Cup match in Zaporozhye was. Proof - 11,800 spectators. Fortunately, the weather, despite the fact that it was already September, contributed to this. Red-black scarves, banners, flags of Ukraine, Cossack mascot - such a “Slavutych arena” has never been seen. There was also beer - a traditional attribute for our fans at that time. Nevertheless, it seems to only play into the hands of the team - the tipsy fans did not hesitate to drive their own people forward, creating an atmosphere.

Football European Cup Hosted By Zaporizhia

True, not without negativity. The banana thrown away by the black goalkeeper guests spoiled the overall picture of the holiday around the game.

The guests began more actively, more often they were approaching the Glushchenko gate. And in the 14th minute, Dimitrios Papadopoulos kicked in the fall soaked the score. Under the incredible support of the stands, Metallurg ran to recoup. Each more or less dangerous moment was accompanied by the roar of the stands and desperate breaths after, and the Greeks lying on the lawn - with a roar and whistle. Zaporozhtsevs had chances (a blow back to back from Modebadze, a distant shot of Demchenko), but they had no luck that evening. Having beaten the Greeks in all statistical indicators, except goals, Zaporozhye said goodbye to European Cups.

Football European Cup Hosted By Zaporizhia

Today, European football will return to the “Slavutych-Arena”, but without the favorite for local fans of the club. However, the stadium should be hot.