Credit where credit is due

As we prepare to see the weekend's action, it is important to take note of what happened in the Europa League clash between Fulham and Shakhtar Donetsk. This contest was not just a great advert for the newly-branded Europa League, but a great advert for cup football in general.

Shakhtar are the current holders of the trophy and beat teams such as Tottenham, CSKA Moscow, Marseille and bitter rivals Dynamo Kiev in their run up to last seasons final in Istanbul. They then beat a very good Werder Bremen team in the final. Shakhtar's team consists of 8 Brazilians in the first team, making them similar in their approach to Arsenal in generally relying on foreign talent. Luiz Adriano is among the most notable, he is one of Europe's top emerging talents with 8 goals in 23 games in the Ukrainian Premier League. The Ukrainians boast an excellent squad overall with Jadson, Darijo Srna, Razvan Rat and Wilian.

They arrived at Craven Cottage as hot favourites to beat a decent, if lesser, side in Fulham. Fulham showed they were no pushovers and took the lead early on. When Shakhtar equalised, it look as though an upset would not occur. The Ukrainians moved the ball about beautifully and it was no surprise when Adriano, who will no doubt go on to be an even bigger star, scored. Zamora's stunner which won Fulham the match was an amazing individual effort, but crucially it reflected the grit and determination of a unit. It showed to us that no European Competition is always going to be dominated totally 100% by richer clubs. It showed what cup football is all about, the drama and the shocks and showed that the Europa League is not necessarily much worse in quality than the converted Champions' League.

All in all, Shakhtar should beat Fulham well on home turf but the West London club have certainly given the rich boys something to think about with their win.