Dynamo Kyiv manager Oleksandr Shovkovskyi wants to create "positive emotions" for his country as they prepare to face Rangers in the Champions League third-round qualifier. 

Kyiv were convincing winners in their double-legged tie with Partizan Belgrade to set up the meeting with Philippe Clement's side. Tomorrow's first leg will be played in Lublin, Poland due to the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. 


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Shovkovskyi was complimentary of the Ibrox outfit as he previewed the tie. Kyiv will travel to Glasgow next week for the return leg at Hampden.

The 49-year-old also spoke candidly about the responsibility his team bear to bring hope and optimism domestically.

"It’s the third year of a full-scale war in Ukraine. It's been 10 years since the first aggression on our country. And, of course, there are a lot of negative emotions, a lot of emotions that are impossible to get rid of. They remain in our lives and will probably remain forever," he said.

"Our fighters protect our homes, they do everything possible so that football, as an art, does not disappear in our country. And, of course, to have this opportunity to deliver some positive moments to those who fight for our freedom, for our independence, it's something really very important for us, something invaluable, and we're happy that we can do that.

"We want to give them pleasant emotions because they really lack them now. The Olympics that are taking place in Paris, the performances of our Olympians and the medals they have won add faith that despite all these setbacks and this war in Ukraine, we can go through this stage, overcome it, withstand it and win.

"Of course, we do not separate ourselves from the Ukrainian people, from the Ukrainian nation. We are part of it, and we will do our best to give them those positive moments."


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Kyiv meet a Rangers side still very much in the process of a summer rebuild. The Ibrox outfit kicked off their season with a 0-0 draw against Hearts at Tynecastle on Saturday as Clement's men struggled to create chances and fashion openings. 

"It will be an interesting game. We have two different good teams," Shovkovskyi said.

"At the same time, in terms of danger men, I can say that Rangers have very good players up front, they have very good wingers, and we can expect danger from anyone. We really expect a very good two matches and we look forward to them."

Earlier today it was confirmed that the winners of Dynamo Kyiv ve Rangers will face the winners of FC Twente vs Red Bull Salzburg in the Champions League play-off round.

If Rangers progress then they will play the first leg at home on August 20/21 with the second leg on August 27/28.