Metalist Kharkiv Held to Draw by FC Bukovyna Chernivtsi in Friendly

Match Result: Metalist Kharkiv 1–1 FC Bukovyna Chernivtsi
Competition: International Club Friendly
Date: 14 July 2026

Ukrainian Premier League side Metalist Kharkiv played out an entertaining 1–1 draw with second-tier FC Bukovyna Chernivtsi in a pre-season friendly. The match, held behind closed doors at Metalist’s training base, offered both managers a chance to assess their squads ahead of the new season.

Match Overview

Metalist started the brighter side, showcasing their technical superiority. They took the lead in the 23rd minute when striker Yevhen Pidlepenets redirected a cross from the right flank past Bukovyna goalkeeper Danylo Koval. The goal came after a patient build-up involving midfielders Yevhen Banada and Artem Bondarenko.

Bukovyna, however, grew into the match as the first half progressed. Their equaliser arrived in the 39th minute through a well-worked set-piece: a corner kick was flicked on at the near post, and centre-back Ihor Medynskyi volleyed home from close range. The goal stunned Metalist and gave the visitors confidence.

Key Moments

• 23' – Goal: Yevhen Pidlepenets (Metalist Kharkiv) – tidy finish from a cut-back.
• 39' – Goal: Ihor Medynskyi (FC Bukovyna Chernivtsi) – powerful volley from a corner.
• 62' – Miss: Metalist substitute Vladyslav Kochergin hits the crossbar from 20 yards.
• 88' – Save: Bukovyna keeper Danylo Koval denies a late header from Metalist’s Oleksandr Kapliyenko.

Tactical Observations

Metalist head coach Serhiy Kovalets used the friendly to test a fluid 4-3-3, with full-backs pushing high to create overloads. However, Bukovyna’s compact 4-4-2 stifled their rhythm after the equaliser. The visitors, coached by former Dynamo Kyiv youth instructor Oleh Fedorchuk, showed discipline and counter-attacking threat, particularly through winger Artem Khotsianivskyi.

Both sides made multiple substitutions in the second half, breaking the flow but giving younger players valuable experience. Metalist pushed for a winner but lacked precision in the final third.

What It Means

For Metalist Kharkiv, this draw serves as a reminder that pre-season preparation still requires sharpness. They will face tougher tests ahead, including a friendly against Slovak side DAC Dunajská Streda later in the month. Bukovyna, meanwhile, will take heart from a resilient performance against top-flight opposition as they prepare for the Ukrainian First League campaign.

The 1-1 scoreline reflected a competitive fixture that fulfilled its purpose: giving coaches data and fans a glimpse of the players’ fitness levels. Both teams now continue their build-up to the season opener.