Focus On: Dynamo Kyiv

Everton will take on Dynamo Kyiv for the first time in their history when they meet in the Europa League round of 16.

The Toffees have, however, faced Ukrainian opposition before – seeing off Metalist Kharkiv 4-3 over two legs back in the 2007/8 UEFA Cup campaign.

Dynamo defeated French side Guingamp to progress through the last round, running out 4-3 aggregate winners.

That result was unsurprising given their strong form in the group stages. Drawn with Danish side Aalborg, Romanian’s Steaua Bucurest and Rio Ave of Portugal, the Ukrainians qualified with ease.

Kyiv lost only once in their six Group J matches - in Aalborg - and managed 12 goals, conceding just four.

Domestically too they are in good form; Dynamo are unbeaten in their opening 14 games of the Ukrainian Premier League and sit five points clear of nearest rivals Shaktar Donetsk.



Kyiv have internationals running throughout their squad. Goalkeeper Oleksandr Rybka , defenders Yevhen Selin, Yevhen Khacheridi and Yevhen Makarenko, midfielders Serhiy Sydorchuk and Denys Harmash plus striker Artem Kravets are all in and around the Ukraine national side.

As is exciting attacking midfielder Andriy Yarmolenko (above left), who is amongst the principle danger men for Kyiv. A home favourite after coming through the ranks, Yarmolenko has three goals in his five European appearances so far.

Elsewhere, Dynamo have a sprinkling of foreign talent that add considerable quality to their ranks. Jeremain Lens (Holland), Miguel Veloso (Portugal), Dieumerci Mbokani (Congo) and Morocco playmaker Younès Belhanda are all established internationals.

Head Coach Serhiy Rebrov is a name familiar to Evertonians following spells in England with Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United between 2000 and 2005.



A former striker who enjoyed some of the best moments of his career as a player at Dynamo Kyiv, he helped them to eight straight league titles between 1992 and 2000, returning to once again lift the crown in 2006/7.

He initially took caretaker charge of Kyiv following the sacking of Oleh Blokhin in 2014 but after guiding Dynamo to the Ukrainian Cup, Rebrov was handed the reins on a permanent basis.

And now he will return to England with his charges to face the Blues on Thursday 12 March, with the second leg a week later.