Sheriff Tiraspol’s coach Yuriy Vernydub, who faced Inter and Real Madrid during the Champions League group stage phase this season, has joined the Ukrainian army in the war against Russia.
Exactly five months ago, on September 28, 2021, Sheriff shocked Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid by beating the Merengues 2-1 at the Bernabeu.
The Moldavian side collected seven points in six games and were dropped to Europa League. Inter won both games against them, managing ten points and qualifying for the Round of 16 for the first time in ten years.
Vernydub, who was born in Žytomyr, Ukraine, in 1966, has reportedly returned to his native country, joining its army. He has signed up to help Ukraine following the invasion of Russian troops last week. A picture of Vernydub with two army colleagues has circulated on social media.
Sheriff also faced Roberto De Zerbi’s Shakhtar Donetsk during the Champions League group, winning one match against the Ukrainians. De Zerbi left Kyiv last night and has returned to Italy.