Published: 21 May, 2009, 01:30
Edited: 21 May, 2009, 01:30
Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk have put their name into the record books of European football after winning history’s last UEFA Cup.
Going into the match, Shakhtar’s chances against Werder Bremen were regarded as a bit higher as the German side was to emerge at the Åžükrü SaracoÄŸlu Stadium without their leader, Brazilian Diego.
The two sides scored a goal apiece in the first half and the score remained the same throughout the match.
Brazilian Lois Adriano opened for the Ukrainians after 25 minutes of play.
But the German team responded ten minutes later through a Brazilian of their own – defender Naldo, whose foul kick turned out to be too difficult for the Shaktar goalkeeper to handle.
However, the final word rested with the Ukrainian side. Brazilian Jadson netted the winner seven minutes into the extra time – the goal in which Werder had nothing to respond with.
After the game, Istanbul streets were widely pained in orange – Shakhtar’s historic colors.
The 38th year of European football's second biggest competition is the last. The tournament will now undergo restructuring and a name change, to become the Europa League.