Half-Time Report: Shakhtar Donetsk hold slender advantage after pulsating first half

Shakhtar Donetsk hold a slender advantage over Rapid Vienna after a breathless first half in their Champions League playoff second leg tie, which is poised at 2-2.

The hosts currently hold a one-goal aggregate advantage and looked to be on course for an easy passage to the Champions League group stages after taking an early lead.

Taison raced onto a through-ball and although his shot was saved by the advancing Jan Novota, Marlos picked up the loose ball and bent in a left-footed effort from 20 yards.

Rapid Vienna responded admirably though and were level within three minutes. Florian Kainz wriggled free on the left of the box and pulled the ball back to Louis Schaub. His initial shot was blocked but the forward flung himself bravely at the loose ball to head home from close range.

Then the hosts went ahead with a delicate free kick from Steffen Hofmann from 20 yards out.

However, Shakhtar hit back almost immediately as Olexandr Gladkiy pounced on a mistake from Christopher Dibon to slide the ball home from six yards out.