Head coach of Zari Yuri Vernidub shared his impressions of the match against Leipzig.

- First of all, I want to congratulate our team, all without exception, with a good game. And the fact that the players really survived this heat. Yes, there are a lot of young guys in Leipzig, but they are guys who are worth a lot of money. And who have a very serious selection selection.

Nevertheless, we showed that we are also a team. It's sad that this was the case with our player, with the young Bogdan Lednev. At the 16th minute we were ten men, nevertheless, we were well defended. But not only defended, but also very well went into counterattacks. There were also moments, too, could score. The most important thing is that we did not fight back, but played football. It's the most important.

Therefore, I repeat, as in the game with Braga, we played 1: 1, and today I will say that the score 0: 0 gives chances that we, that Leipzig 50 to 50. We need to prepare, and next Thursday life will show who will pass on, and who will stay out.

- There were two different halves - what words did you pick up for the players during the break?.

- Yes there were no words. I will repeat, that all has smeared this removal. Still, to stay with ten men against such a team ... In the second half, it was even more difficult. Plus leaders went on the field - the same Poulsen and Forsberg. They increased the pressure on us, but we showed once again that we are on the right track. The guys played very well on the defensive, almost closed the flanks, did not give a chance. Plus, the center was closed, where there were blows from the players of Leipzig, almost all of us blocked them. And those that reached the gate, great defended Luis Felipe. If they did not score, it is not only the goalkeeper's and defense's merit, but the whole team.

I want to thank those fans who today were "Slavutych-Arena", which is very cool support. To you many thanks, respect and low bow. Such support is expensive. This also played an important role. If we were in the minority, then the support that was in the stands added us one more player, which was not enough.

- Why did they replace Karavaev? Microtrauma?.

- No, microtraumas are not present. He, like Dima Khomchenovsky, was replaced because they saw that the seizures began to pick up a bit. Those guys who came out, great in the game - and Kabaev, and Kochergin, and Gordienko. Fortunately, we have a football player like Gordienko, who can close any position. He does everything to help the team.

- Which opponent is stronger - Braga or Leipzig?.

- Hard to tell. I told the children the day before that if you take by age, then Leipzig is much younger, the average age is up to 23 years.

Braga is a more experienced team, many Brazilians. Although Leipzig also has many foreigners. I can mention the defender Sarachchi - he is 98 years old, and looks very cool. Tony Werner - 96th year, look - the car. Not for nothing is he chasing Real, 100 million offers, as far as I know.

Nevertheless, we survived, showed that we also can play. It was clear how nervous the opponent's coach was when we held our counterattacks. It remains to prepare well, recover and move on.