Rodrigues Jadson’s extra-time winner for Shakhtar Donetsk secured a UEFA Cup triumph for Shakhtar Donetsk in Istanbul.
The Brazilian’s strike midway through the first half of extra-time saw Shakhtar earn a 2-1 win over the German outfit.
Luiz Adriano’s accomplished finish put Shakhtar in front after 25 minutes. Werder equalised before the interval when Shakhtar keeper Andriy Pyatov inexplicably parried Ronaldo Naldo’s free-kick into the net.
And it was another goalkeeping error that gave Shakhtar victory in extra-time, when the otherwise impressive Tim Wiese allowed Jadson’s 97th-minute strike to squirm under his outstretched arm.
Shakhtar, who enjoyed the bulk of possession and created the majority of the chances, deserved the victory against a Werder side who looked pedestrian in the absence of the suspended Diego.
The Ukrainians opened positively and Adriano should have given them the lead after five minutes, only to shoot wide from a Jadson pass.
The Brazilian made no mistake with his next opportunity, lifting a superb finish over Wiese after Werder’s defence failed to deal with a routine through ball.
But Werder were gifted an equaliser 10 minutes later, courtesy of a blunder from Shakhtar keeper Pyatov.
Naldo’s free-kick was struck well, but Pyatov appeared to be caught in two minds and could only parry the ball into his own net.
The excitement of the first half was diluted after the break, although Pyatov made amends for his earlier error with a fine save from Pizarro.
It meant the final went into extra-time, and within seven minutes of the restart, Jadson restored Shakhtar’s lead – and this time it was Werder keeper Wiese who was the cuplrit.
Wiese got to the shot by Jadson, among five Brazilians in Shakhtar’s lineup, but let the ball slip over his own goal line.
Pizarro almost responded instantly with a well-struck volley, but Pyatov recovered to save with his legs.
There was almost one final twist when Sebatian Proedl’s header beat Pyatov, but referee Luis Medina Cantalejo ruled out the goal for a foul by Pizarro.
Shakhtar Donetsk 2-1 Werder Bremen (aet)
Teams:
Shakhtar Donetsk: Pyatov, Srna, Kucher, Chigrinsky, Rat, Lewandowski, Fernandinho, Ilsinho (Gai 99), Jadson (Duljaj 112), Willian , Luiz Adriano (Gladkyy 89).
Subs Not Used: Khudzamov, Ischenko, Chyzhov, Moreno.
Werder Bremen: Wiese, Fritz (Pasanen 94), Prodl, Naldo, Boenisch, Niemeyer (Tziolis 103), Frings, Baumann, Ozil, Pizarro, Rosenberg (Hunt 78).
Subs Not Used: Vander, Tosic, Vranjes, Harnik.
Scorers:
Shakhtar Donetsk: Luiz Adriano 25, Jadson 97.
Werder Bremen: Naldo 35.
Att: 53,100.
Ref: Luis Medina Cantalejo (Spain).
