The match between Maccabi (Haifa) and Villarreal took place in Cyprus. I want for the “grandness” not Marseille - Brighton, on which the team of Balakin, Zaporozhenko and Berkut competed in another round of the European League, but still there was a serious cry - both teams were fighting for progress to the playoffs.

Varto means that the Ukrainian brigade was assisted by VAR assistant - Paul Van Bueckel from the Netherlands. Vin, however, is memorable for his dubious decisions: a penalty for Sterling’s fall at the Euro 2020 finals and a no-kick against Dumfries’ hand in the Champions League match between Inter and Barcelona. Ale in the UEFA Referees Committee is on good terms.

I needed additional help from VAR. When Maccabi's goal is open in the 30th minute, the linesman calls for offside. An episode in which without the help of the human eye it is impossible to remember 100%. The video assistant needed 2.5 minutes to place the correct lines - the head of the goalkeeper Abdoulaye Sek was far from the line, the lower leg of the Villarreal defender For which VAR was sent. A little earlier Zaporozhenko correctly raised his ensign in no less complex episode.

Never after the goal, Balakin took a penalty at the Maccabi goal. Foul without calling any doubts in the Israeli club. Hiba himself to blame for the formality of a little bit of time. The position taken by the Ukrainian referee is significantly correct.

And from the penalty kickers themselves, a whole story was traced. Maccabi goalkeeper Keuf saved Sjorlut's shot and gave the VAR the command to clear the penalty spot. The reason for this decision may be the lack of awareness of those who follow football rules. On the right, it is not less that the only graven of Maccabi quickly ran into the penalty area, and those who, after having entered into the fight with Sjorlut, can finish the ball and simply get it in. At the same time, such incidents also contribute to the VAR’s bribe (as a detection of offside), so the referee in the field did not ask to admire him independently.

In the other half, there were no such significant moments from the point of view of the arbitration. The teams enjoyed themselves like gentlemen. Thus, there was a standard number of fouls (24 for two teams), and six graves, and all indications for game violations. Balakanini, shtovkhanini not bulo. One of them, who were too nervous, were the trainers.

And just as the mentor of Maccabi Messai Dego was filled with respect, the Kermanic Villarreal Paceti (who, it seems, will soon be replaced by an old friend Marcelino) had a chance to show advances.

European League is good. Tim has learned more and has learned to practice well, so perhaps there will be one more short term in the Champions League. But in a week, Balakin’s team at this warehouse is experiencing significantly more nerve-wracking testing - Shakhtar against Dnieper-1 within the 14th round of the UPL.