Karpaty Lviv Edge Nyva Ternopil in Pre-Season Friendly

FC Karpaty Lviv kicked off their 2026 pre-season preparations with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over regional rivals Nyva Ternopil at the Ukraina Stadium on July 3. The friendly, played behind closed doors due to ongoing stadium renovations, gave both sides valuable match fitness as they build toward the new campaign.

The home side dominated possession from the first whistle, with Karpaty head coach Andriy Tlumak deploying an experimental 4-3-3 formation. The Lviv outfit created several early chances before breaking the deadlock in the 23rd minute. Winger Denys Kozhanov collected a pass from midfield, cut inside from the left flank, and drilled a low shot into the far corner past Nyva goalkeeper Artur Denchuk.

Nyva, competing in the Ukrainian First League, responded well and equalised just before the half-hour mark. A swift counter-attack caught the Karpaty defence off guard, allowing striker Andriy Riznyk to slot home from close range after a precise cross from the right.

Second-Half Decider and Key Performances

The second half saw Karpaty regain control, and their perseverance was rewarded in the 67th minute. A corner kick was only partially cleared, and midfielder Vadym Shavrin volleyed the ball through a crowded penalty area to restore the lead. Despite late pressure from Nyva, Karpaty held on for the win.

Standout performers included Karpaty's new signing, left-back Yevhen Zadoyenko, who made several overlapping runs and provided defensive solidity. For Nyva, goalkeeper Denchuk produced a string of saves to keep the scoreline respectable, notably denying Kozhanov a second goal in the 74th minute.

Match Context and Season Ahead

This friendly marks the beginning of Karpaty Lviv's pre-season schedule as they aim to improve on their mid-table finish in the Ukrainian Premier League last season. The club has been active in the transfer market, bringing in three new faces to bolster the squad depth.

Nyva Ternopil, meanwhile, are preparing for the upcoming First League season with a focus on youth development. Head coach Bohdan Kostyk used the match to test several academy graduates, including 18-year-old midfielder Mykola Shvets, who impressed in the second half.

The result gives Karpaty a confidence boost heading into their next friendly against Polish side Górnik Zabrze scheduled for July 10. Both sets of players will now have a week of intensive training before their next test.