Vitaliy Hrusha: Draw with LNZ Is a Good Start for Bukovyna's UPL Debut

Bukovyna midfielder Vitaliy Hrusha believes a draw in the team's Ukrainian Premier League opener is nothing to be ashamed of. The newcomer held LNZ to a 0-0 draw, and Hrusha said that result carries real value given the occasion. "This was never going to be easy," Hrusha said, according to the club's press service. "Not everything went the way we planned. The heat was a factor, and so were the emotions - this was a historic game for us." Bukovyna had spent more than 32 years away from the Ukrainian top flight, and Hrusha admitted some nerves showed. Still, he stressed that taking a point from last season's runner-up in the club's first UPL match after more than 32 years away deserves respect. Hrusha also reflected on his previous UPL experience with Obolon, thanking God and the club for bringing him in when he was without a team and recovering from injury. He said he paid back that trust over three seasons. Looking ahead, Hrusha expects a tense matchup against Obolon. Bukovyna has already studied Obolon's game against Epitsentr, which he described as even until a penalty changed the picture. He called Obolon a very good team and predicted a fiercely contested match. The midfielder also voiced regret that Bukovyna cannot yet play in front of its home fans in Chernivtsi. The travel takes energy, he admitted, but the squad is rested and ready.