The Game

The Shakhtar game was great!  We jumped and screamed (only in Russian, of course) and sang and cheered on our team.  With the exception of the disappointment with the folks behind us - who were fairly unhappy with us wanting stand the whole match - the atmosphere was just what I wanted.

We have to go to to the train for my 3rd overnight train trip in as many days so I am just going to do a basic overview of the game and I handle the city of Donetsk later once I've sorted through the pics.

This is Olympic/Locomotiv Stadium in Central Donetsk.  We went in a little early to see if the security would let us in with our travbel pack.  There was almost no one there even 20 minutes before the game.

This guy was not only there early, but he'd also clearly put in some serious time preparing his blood alcohol level before he arrived.  He was sort of a cross between our section's official chant leader and a court jester.  A lot of poeple came over just to take pictures with him - most of which I think his pickled mind will be very surprised to see today.

This is the fans and Ultras section.  At the ticket booth there was literally a sign that showed the rules for those who wanted to sit near the Ultras.  There was to be no horns, silly hats or painted faces.  This is serious event for them and they couldn't risk being distracted by mere amatures.  They also state that if you don't know/sing the songs and chants, you are no longer welcome.  We saw one of their 'business cards' on the gate outside which said, "For you it's a game, for us it's life" - and I think meant it.  Aside from the violence that comes with Ultra culture, they were fantastic.  They were formerly greated by the PA announcer and were absolutely organized and jacked all game.  You may notice that the riot cops were perpetually between the fans and the pitch.

We were rocking our particular section and Jenya was one of the instigators of a lot of our chants.

After the game we got jammed on a trolly bus to get back to the train station for our departure and the fun atmosphere continued with the fellow occupants in great spirits.  We even sang a few songs in the bus, much to the consternation of the non-game passengers.

And of course we won.  2-0 is a good score line and Aaron's point that Spurs ignored this competition doesn't take away from my enjoyment of the game.  Our boys looked pretty good considering this was their first cometitive game in almost 2 months.  I look forward to being able to follow their UEFA Cup progress and the UPL as it restarts on TV from Kerch.