Yuriy Vernydub: From Bringing The Sheriff To Victory At The Bernabeu To Defending Ukraine Against Russia

JAKARTA - Yuriy Vernydub made history last September when he led Sheriff Tiraspol's team to a 2-1 win over Real Madrid at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu in the Champions League group stage.

At the time, few expected that a few months later the Sheriff's boss would join the Ukrainian army to fight against the Russians.

The story of the Ukrainian tactician went viral on social media and player Sheriff Gustavo Dulanto took to Twitter to send a message of support to his coach.

"May God protect Coach Yuriy who went to Ukraine," wrote the Peru defender.

Que Dios proteja a mi DT Yury que se fue para Ucrania… 🙏🏻

— Gustavo Dulanto Sanguinetti (@GDulanto) February 28, 2022

Vernydub is seen wearing military uniform alongside two other soldiers in a photo circulating on social media and various publications.

The 56-year-old was appointed as Sheriff's coach on 18 December 2020. He won the Moldova National Division in his first season at the club and went on to lead the team to the group stage of the Champions League for the first time in their history.