“The cost of the mistake was too high.”

Dynamo midfielder Vitaliy Buyalskiy commented on the Kiev team’s victory over Dutch AZ and the arrival to the next stage of the Champions League qualification:

– After yesterday’s victory, we are all in a good mood, but there is not much time for joy. From today we will start direct preparations for the next Ukrainian championship match against FC Lviv.

– What is the reason why two different times were played in the game against AZ Dynamo?

– We originally planned to build the game like this, because we analyzed in detail the opponent’s previous matches and knew that, as a rule, they play especially well in the first half: aggressively, hard, covering the opponent. So at first it was not easy for us. Also, the showdown consisted of only one match, so the cost of a mistake was too high, so before the break, we both played very carefully, for fear of showing open football. And in the second half, when the guests had less energy left, we got zones and were able to score twice.

– Several Dynamo players played in unusual positions for them: Mikolenko – in the center of the defense, Karavaev – on the left flank of the defense. Did the team discuss how well they did?

– Karavaev has already played many times as a left back. Such permutations are the decision of the coaching staff. I would say all the guys are great, the whole team played well, held on and as a result achieved a major victory.

– In a week you will have to face the next opponent: the Belgian Gent. Who would you like to play with more, with them or with Rapid Vienna?

– To be honest, I didn’t even think about it, I was completely focused on the game with AZ, which at that time was much more important. And who will be caught in the next stage is already a secondary question. In the playoffs, all the teams are strong, so there wasn’t much of a difference.

– Have you been interested in the Belgians, have you seen their matches?

– No, I only know that our guys play there, the players of the Ukrainian team: Yaremchuk, Bezus, Plastun. I will be glad to see you. Is it interesting to play against them? It is not as important as that we have to win and go to the group stage. To do this, you have to try to play well as a visitor in the first leg and consolidate success at home in the second leg.

– But before the games with Gent you will have a meeting with FC Lviv …

– Yes, and all thoughts now are only about her. You need to win against Lviv to prepare for Ghent in a good mood.

– Is two games a week a comfortable schedule?

– Yes, it is enough. If I could play every game at home it would be great. And when there are flights and crossings, the recovery becomes a little more difficult, since the road is exhausting. In general, all teams play in this mode, so everyone is on an equal footing. It is better for any footballer to play than to train, everyone knows that.