Dynamo Kyiv stands just one point away from claiming the 2024/25 Ukrainian Premier League championship as they prepare to face relegation-threatened Chornomorets Odesa in the 29th round of fixtures.
The Kyiv giants sit comfortably at the summit of the league table, five points clear of second-placed Oleksandria with only two matches remaining. The mathematics are simple for Oleksandr Shovkovskiy's men – secure a single point in Odesa and they'll be crowned champions regardless of other results.
Dynamo enters this fixture with an impressive unbeaten league record this season, though they've stumbled slightly in recent weeks. Their previous match ended in a surprising 0-0 draw against Polissya, delaying their championship celebrations. More painfully, they missed out on a potential domestic double after losing to Shakhtar Donetsk on penalties in the Ukrainian Cup final.
Host Chornomorets, meanwhile, finds itself fighting for survival. Oleksandr Kucher's side sits in the relegation zone but showed signs of life last weekend with a dramatic comeback victory against Vorskla Poltava, thanks to late goals from Oleksiy Khoblenko and Moses Zharzu. That result snapped a dismal four-match losing streak and kept their slim survival hopes alive.
The 'Sailors' are now just two points from the relegation playoff position with two matches remaining, but face an uphill battle with their remaining fixtures against title contenders Dynamo and Oleksandria.
According to Statbet analysis, Dynamo's 30-match unbeaten run in the league gives them a significant statistical advantage heading into this clash, particularly considering Chornomorets hasn't managed a draw in their last 17 league games.
The first meeting between these teams this season ended in a comfortable 3-1 victory for Dynamo, highlighting the challenge facing the Odesa club.
This match represents a significant milestone for both managers – it will be Oleksandr Kucher's 60th top-level coaching appearance, while Dynamo's Vladyslav Kabayev could make his 100th appearance for the club if selected.
With Chornomorets desperate for points to avoid relegation and Dynamo eager to clinch the title after recent setbacks, this encounter promises to deliver high drama as the Ukrainian Premier League season approaches its conclusion.
