Did you know Dnipro was one of the first professional football clubs in Ukraine? Or that they are almost a century old? Or that they reached the finals of Europa League in 2015? Intrigued? Let’s dig deeper. Did you know…
1.That they are almost a century old
The club was formed in 1918, making them 98 years old. Petrovsky factory was responsible for their formation and the team that was originally known as BRIT was disbanded due to World War 1. They were renamed as Petrovets in 1925 and again in later years before finally being name "Dnipro".
The Club is one of the most successful ones in Ukraine!
2.That their stadium cost them 40 Million Euros
The Home ground of Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk, The Dnipro Arena was constructed in 3 years and 4 months. The stadium that has a capacity of 30,000 cost the Ukrainian side 40 Million Euros. It was made by Germany's largest construction company, Hochtief.
It was money well spent as it's one of the best stadiums in the country!
3.That they have a lot of silverware
The Ukranian side has won Ukrainian Premier League 2 times, came second 4 times and third 8 times. They have also won the Soviet First League, Ukranian cup, USSR Super Cup 1 time each and the Soviet League Cup 2 times.
Yea that is a lot of silverware!
4.They Reached the Finals of the Europa League
Dnipro reached the Finals and lost out to Sevilla in a match that ended 3 – 2 in the favour of the Spanish side. Nikola Kalinic and Ruslan Rotan scored for the Ukranian side however a double from Carlos Bacca and a goal from Grzegorz Krychowiak was enough for the Spanish side’s victory.
Yes They were close but one positive taking point from this is that it shows the capabilities they possess!
5.That they were the first professional football club.
In 1989, Dnipro, then known as Dnepr became the first Professional club in Soviet Union. In the 1980’s the club witnessed their golden era and had players like Oleg Protasov, Hennadiy Litovchenko, Oleksiy Cherednyk, and Oleh Taran who helped them win the Soviet Championship twice.
6.Ruslan Rotan Is a Club Legend
The Central Midfielder has spent 12 years with the club and has managed to get past the keeper on 26 occasions. In his entire career he has made over 260 appearances for Dnipro, one of the highest in recent times. He is also their leading the charts for Maximum assists made in recent times with 40 assists to his name.
Definitely Club Legend Material!
7.That they are named after the biggest river in Ukraine
Following the fall of the Soviet Union, the club took the name “Dnipro” after the biggest river of Ukraine. They then joined the Ukrainian Premier League and have been heavy-weights in the league ever since.
Neat! isn't it?
8.That Shakhtar knocked them out three times
Shakhtar Donetsk has knocked Dnipro a record three times out of the Ukrainian Cup in the Semi’s. The Matches took place within a span of ten years. They were first knocked out in 1995, then 1997 and last in 2004 by Shakhtar.
Yet they share a healthy rivalry. Talk about sportsman spirit!
9.Yevhen Seleznyov Is a Club Legend
The Ukrainian Striker who spent his career with Shakhtar and Dnipro has scored 88 goals in 190 appearances for Dnipro. He is one of the highest goal-scorers for the club in recent times and the Forward achieved this feat during his two stints with the club.
He also has one of the highest games to goals ratio for the club as well. Legendary stuff!
10. They were the second most successful sides.
The Ukranian side was the second most successful side before the Soviet's fall and was Privatized later on. They won the Soviet Top League twice in 1983 and 1988.
History Makers!
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