Dynamo Kyiv will take a narrow advantage into the second leg of the UEFA Cup Round of 16 tie against Metalist Kharkiv as Ognjen Vukojević's header in the second-half was enough to gain victory in Kyiv.
The White-Blues, who defeated their opponents 2-0 in the Premier League on 4 March, tried to break through the visitors’ defence during the first half. Sablić, Kravets and Aliyev were all threatening to open the score, but the chances were not converted. However, on 54 minutes, the goal finally came when Ognjen Vukojević found the back of the net with a header after Oleksandr Aliyev’s corner.
The only downside for the home team came with booking for the goal creator Ognjen Vukojević, who will miss next Thursday's decider between the sides in Kharkiv.
The UEFA Cup contest between Ukrainian league leaders Dynamo and Metalist will continue next week. The two sides’ return meeting will take place on Thursday 19 March at the Metalist stadium in Kharkiv, kicking-off at 19.00 (local time).
UEFA Cup 2008/09. Round of 16. First leg.
DYNAMO – METALIST – 1:0 (0:0)
Kyiv, Lobanovskyy Dynamo stadium. Attendance: 16 000.
Kick off: 19:00
Referee: Michael Riley; Assistant referees: Philip Sharp, Mo Matadar (all from England).
Dynamo: 31.Bogush, 3.Betão, 5.Vukojević, 6.Sablić, 7.Corrêa, 8.Aliyev, 11.Eremenko, 17.Mykhalyk - cap, 22.Kravets (20.Husyev, 86), 25.Milevskyy, 36.Ninković (4.Ghioane, 90+1).
Metalist: 29.Goryainov – cap, 6.Gancarczyk, 7.Valyayev, 8.Edmar, 9.Slyusar, 11.Oliynyk (33.Dević, 60), 22.Obradović, 27.Maidana, 30.Papa Gueye, 32.Acevedo (18.Berezovchuk, 46), 50.Jajá.
Goal: Vukojević (54).
Booked: Vukojević (56) – Oliynyk (40), Acevedo (42), Edmar (49), Березовчук (62), Jajá (72), Gancarczyk (77).
