Shakhtar dons Ukraine flag colors for Champions League clash

Shakhtar Donetsk has announced that it will debut a new club kit inspired by the colors of Ukraine's national flag during its Champions League match against Bologna on Wednesday. The jersey features blue and yellow stripes, while the accompanying shorts are blue. This decision reflects the club's pride in its Ukrainian identity amidst the ongoing conflict in the region. The match marks Shakhtar's opening game in the new league phase of the prestigious tournament, which is being held away in Bologna, Italy. Due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Shakhtar has been unable to host European matches in its home country, forcing the team to play its home games in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, at the stadium of Schalke. Despite the challenges posed by the war, Shakhtar remains committed to representing Ukraine on the international stage. The club has retained its traditional kits, which include orange for home games and black for away matches, but the new kit symbolizes a strong statement of national pride and resilience. As the team prepares for this important match, the choice of kit serves not only as a tribute to their homeland but also as a reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by the Ukrainian people. Shakhtar's participation in the Champions League is a significant opportunity to showcase their talent and determination, even in the face of adversity.