Kolos Kovalivka U21 and Lokomotiv Kyiv Share Six-Goal Thriller in Pre-Season Friendly

An action-packed International Club Friendly on July 10, 2026 saw Kolos Kovalivka U21 and Lokomotiv Kyiv play out an exhilarating 3-3 draw. The high-scoring encounter provided both Ukrainian youth teams with a demanding workout as they gear up for the challenges of the new season.

Match Overview

The friendly, played under what were likely warm summer conditions, featured end-to-end football from the first whistle. Kolos Kovalivka U21, the reserve side of the Ukrainian Premier League club, demonstrated promising attacking flair, while Lokomotiv Kyiv showed resilience and composure to come back on multiple occasions. With six goals shared evenly, the neutral observer was treated to plenty of entertainment.

Key Moments

• Fast start: Kolos Kovalivka U21 took an early lead inside the first ten minutes, catching Lokomotiv’s defence off guard with a swift counter-attack.
• Kyiv response: Lokomotiv Kyiv equalised shortly after, exploiting a gap in the Kolos midfield to fire home from inside the box.
• Second-half exchanges: The second period saw goal-scoring accelerate. Kolos regained the lead, only for Lokomotiv to level again. A third goal for the hosts looked to have sealed victory, but Lokomotiv found a stoppage-time equaliser to ensure a share of the spoils.
• Late drama: The final minutes were frantic, with both teams creating clear chances. A last-ditch tackle and a fine save from the Lokomotiv goalkeeper preserved the 3-3 scoreline.

Tactical Story

Kolos Kovalivka U21 employed a high-pressing system designed to force errors in the opposition half. Their youthful energy caused problems early on, but Lokomotiv Kyiv’s more experienced squad adapted by dropping deeper and using longer passes to bypass the press. The match served as a valuable test of defensive transitions for both sides, with each team conceding from moments of positional disorganisation. Substitutions were plentiful, reflecting the pre-season priority of building fitness and giving squad players minutes.

Standout Performers

For Kolos Kovalivka U21, the central forward who scored a brace showed excellent movement and finishing ability. His second goal, a curling effort from the edge of the area, was particularly impressive. On the Lokomotiv side, the captain in midfield controlled the tempo and provided the assist for the crucial late equaliser. The visiting goalkeeper also made several important saves, particularly in the first half when Kolos enjoyed their best spell.

Conclusion

The 3-3 draw highlights the attacking potential in both squads but also underlines defensive work that remains ahead. Kolos Kovalivka U21 will be pleased with their goal output but will want to address the lapses that allowed Lokomotiv to keep pegging them back. Lokomotiv Kyiv, meanwhile, showed character to fight back three times. Pre-season results are often secondary to performance and fitness, and both teams can take positives from a lively contest that will have sharpened their match sharpness.