Shakhtar Donetsk defeated LaLiga champions Barcelona 1-0 on Tuesday in a Champions League Group H match thanks to a spectacular header from Danylo Sikan.
The Spanish team, which had won its first three matches but now needed just one point to advance to the round of 16, put up an unimpressive showing.
After manager Xavi Hernandez shuffled his starting eleven, Barcelona dominated possession but could muster only one shot on goal against a resolute Shakhtar defense.
The Ukrainians shocked the five-time defending European champions in the 40th minute when Sikan, 22 years old, scored a goal.
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A cross from the right byline was met by the striker, who leaped above defender Andreas Christensen to tip the ball beyond Barça goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Gocholeishvili stole the ball from defender Marcos Alonso shortly after halftime and fired a shot that landed squarely in Ter Stegen’s chest.
After Newerton had a goal disallowed for offside, the goalie produced a great reflex stop with his right foot to prevent a close-range shot from Sikan in the 52nd minute.
Until Xavi made four replacements at once in the 60th minute, Barca had been unable to challenge opposing goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk.
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The introduction of Joao Félix and Lamine Yamal from the bench provided the visitors with a much-needed boost.
Despite late threats, Shakhtar was able to hold on for the win.
There is a lot of anger in the locker room since we didn’t perform up to the Champions League’s standards. Intensity? No, today I would put it down to the game, we didn’t play well. Recovering and getting better is essential,” Xavi said to Movistar Plus.
After four games in Group H, Barcelona still has nine points, three more than Porto and Shakhtar combined.
The Portuguese team have a game in hand and face Antwerp, who have no points, later on Tuesday.
