SK Poltava vs Ruh Lviv Match Recap - Dec 14, 2025

Ruh Lviv's Resilience Shines as SK Poltava's Struggles Continue

Baboucarr Faal's brace propelled Ruh Lviv to a crucial 2-1 victory over SK Poltava, marking a significant moment in their quest for mid-table stability. This win underscores Lviv's recent resurgence, contrasting sharply with Poltava's ongoing battle against relegation. Faal's performance not only highlights his growing importance to the team but also reflects Lviv's ability to capitalize on opportunities, a trait that has been pivotal in their last few matches.

Faal's two goals today add to his impressive tally, showcasing a player who is finding his rhythm at just the right time. After scoring four goals in the last five matches, he has emerged as a key figure for Lviv, demonstrating both consistency and the ability to perform under pressure. His contributions have been vital in lifting Lviv from the depths of a poor start to the season, where they now sit comfortably in 12th place with 16 points.

SK Poltava continues to struggle, now firmly rooted at the bottom of the table with just 9 points. Despite a brief glimmer of hope with a win against Dynamo Kyiv last week, today's loss reaffirms their ongoing issues. The team has now lost three out of their last five matches, with a staggering goal difference that highlights their defensive frailties. The inability to maintain momentum after a rare victory speaks volumes about their current state of affairs.

Poltava's recent form has been characterized by inconsistency and a lack of offensive firepower. They managed only two goals in their last five outings, which is alarming for a team fighting for survival. The defensive lapses that allowed Faal to score twice today are symptomatic of deeper issues within the squad. With only two wins all season, the pressure mounts on coach Pavlo Matviichenko to find solutions quickly.

The midfield battle was crucial in this match, with Ruh Lviv controlling possession effectively. Their formation allowed them to dominate the center of the park, limiting Poltava's chances to create meaningful attacks. Denys Sliusar and Ilya Kvasnytsya played pivotal roles in maintaining this control, disrupting Poltava's rhythm and ensuring that Lviv could transition quickly from defense to attack.

Poltava's midfield struggled to assert itself, often bypassed by Lviv's pressing game. Volodymyr Odariuk, who was highlighted in my pre-match preview as a potential game-changer, found himself isolated and unable to influence the game significantly. His inability to connect with forwards like Maksym Marusych left Poltava lacking creativity and depth in attack.

The defensive organization of Ruh Lviv was commendable, particularly from Yurii Kopyna, who made several crucial interventions to thwart Poltava's advances. This solid defensive display is a testament to Lviv's improvement under coach Ivan Fedyk, who has instilled a sense of resilience in his players. The backline's ability to absorb pressure and respond effectively has been a key factor in their recent success.

Poltava's struggles are compounded by their lack of clinical finishing. Despite creating some opportunities, they failed to convert these into goals, reflecting a broader trend throughout the season. The team's average of less than three shots on target per match is indicative of their offensive woes and highlights the urgent need for tactical adjustments moving forward.

The emotional weight of this defeat cannot be understated for Poltava. With relegation looming large, every match becomes increasingly critical. The players must find a way to rally together and build on any positive moments they can muster. The upcoming fixture against Veres Rivne will be pivotal; failure to secure points could deepen their crisis.

Ruh Lviv's victory today not only boosts their confidence but also sets them up nicely for their next challenge against Dynamo Kyiv. With momentum on their side, they will look to build on this performance and continue climbing the table. The contrast between Lviv's upward trajectory and Poltava's downward spiral is stark and serves as a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in football.

In summary, today's match encapsulated the contrasting narratives of both teams: Ruh Lviv is finding its footing and building resilience, while SK Poltava faces an uphill battle for survival. The stakes are high as both teams look ahead; Lviv aims for safety while Poltava desperately seeks redemption.