Faroe Premier League Gameweek 5
Game of the Week: Shakhtar - Milan
Two very solid lineups backed by two great keepers. In the end, both keepers would play key parts in the final result.
Shakhtar took charge of the game early on, creating a few opportunities, but mainly shots from distance. Milan defended deep, and threw their bodies in the way of any shot that approached Courtois in the net.
Then, after 11 minutes, a freak incident kicked off the scoring. A deep cross from right back Mario Fernandes looked to be dropping harmlessly into the hands of Joe Hart.
But somehow, the England stopper decided to stand by to watch Dybala produce an impressive leap for a man of 177cm. Dybala rose and came close to slamming his head into the bar, as he headed home from a distance of about 23cm. 1-0 Milan
Shakhtar looked spurred on by this, and took charge of the game again. Milan seemed happy to let them keep the ball, but Shakhtar produced some very sleek passing moves to carve their way through, only to be stopped by Courtois, or a last ditch block, every time.
Milan did look dangerous on the counter, however, and Dybala hit the post with a fierce shot after 35 minutes.
In 1st half stoppage time, we had a huge moment of controversy. Dybala and Alli jumped for the ball in the centre circle, and as Dybala won the header, Alli fell over injured after the challenge. Milan played on and got the ball forward to Harry Kane, who fell over theatrically in a duel with Rakitskiy. The ref pointed to the spot.
After 2 missed penalties in the last 2 Games of the Week. Xabi Alonso decided that the 3rd time was the charm. He hammered the penalty into the top corner, leaving Hart with no chance, despite going the right way. 2-0 Milan.
After half-time, Milan kept defending well, blocking every shot, and even creating a few chances. Especially Harry Kane, who hit the bar with a thundering header, looked dangerous. Shakhtar, on the other hand, were frustrated by their many missed shots, and kept firing into blocking defenders time and time again. Yarmolenko and Taison were at fault for squandering several opportunities, as Courtois wasn't tested too many times.
In the end, Milan win after a very Leicester-esque performance, where they gave the ball away and waited for counter attacks.
Other Results
Dynamo Kyiev beat Leverkusen in a tight battle, and climb into 3rd place. Ajax suffer a surprising defeat at the hands of Schalke and Corinthians climb away from the bottom spot after a home win over Porto