Shakhtar Donetsk captain Dario Srna's second-half free kick Wednesday gave the Ukraine champions a 1-0 victory over Partizan Belgrade in the Champions League.
Shakhtar dominated the game and squandered numerous chances in the Group H match before Srna drove home a 30-yard free kick in the 71st minute.
Partizan set out to defend aggressively and goalkeeper Vladimir Stojkovic impressed with several saves. But Shakhtar, through its skillful Brazilian players, played neat attacking football and always looked like winning.
Partizan was limited to a couple of long-range efforts that were easily saved.
Shakhtar made a lively start to the game but only carved out its first chance in the 28th minute: Srna fired a cross into the box, Luis Adriano's shot on the turn was parried by Stojkovic, who also blocked the rebound from Oleksiy Hai.
Shakhtar turned the pressure up further in the second half, with Srna instrumental.
Brazilian midfielder Jadson was put through on goal in the 55th minute but his shot was easily blocked by Stojkovic.
Srna then beat his man on the right in the 67th minute and played a perfect cross to Luis Adriano in space, but the Brazilian's header was superbly tipped over by Stojkovic.
Partizan's Cleo tried a neat chip over goalkeeper Oleksandr Kucher after had missed the ball in the 70th minute in a rare attack for the visitors.
The outstanding Stojkovic was finally beaten by Srna's powerfully struck free kick into the bottom corner.
A couple of long-range drives from Partizan brought smart saves from Kucher. But Shakhtar looked more likely to add to its lead, with Hai hitting the post in the 90th minute.
