Benfica’s Ukrainian striker Roman Yaremchuk scored an important equaliser against Ajax in the first-leg of the round-of-16 and celebrated by removing his jersey to reveal an emblem in support of his country Ukraine as fears of Russian invasion of Ukraine keeps growing.
Yaremchuk's stand
The 26-year-old striker unveiled a black shirt which displayed a blue and gold Tryzub symbol. But this is not for the first time, a footballer was seen taking a stand on this issue.
Previously, Manchester City’s Ukrainian defender Oleksandr Zinchenko also spoke on this issue as he wrote on Instagram, “The whole civilized world is worried about the situation in my country. I can’t stay away and try to convey my opinion. In the photo – my country. The country where I was born and raised. A country whose colors I defend in the international sports arena.
“A country that we try to glorify and develop. A country whose borders must remain inviolable. My country belongs to Ukrainians and no one will ever be able to appropriate it. We will not give up! Glory to Ukraine.”
Settling for a draw
In the Champions League clash between Ajax and Benfica, the Dutch side earned a lead in the 18th minute after their Serbian striker Dusan Tadic scored the first goal of the night.
But eight minutes later, Ajax striker Sebastien Haller scored an own goal to squander his side’s lead. Though, three minutes later, the Ivory Coast striker redeemed himself as he earned a lead for Ajax for the second time in the game.
In the 62nd minute of the match, Benfica striker Yaremchuk was brought on to the pitch and the Ukrainian striker needed just 10 minutes to score an equaliser for the hosts.
The visitors, Ajax enjoyed a ball possession of 60 per cent but it did not matter much as eventually they had to settle for a draw.
The second-leg of the fixture is scheduled to be played on March 16.
The final match of the Champions League is scheduled to be played in the Russian city of St. Petersburg, on May 28. But the venue of the final match can be changed depending on the impact of Russia’s intervention in Ukraine.
