Epitsentr and Kharkiv had shared the points in both of their previous Ukrainian Premier League meetings, scoring one goal apiece in total. The Ukrainian Premier League reported the figures on Friday, October 23, through its official website upl.ua.

The only earlier encounter listed at Epitsentr’s ground ended goalless. It was played on November 30, 2025, when Epitsentr drew 0-0 with Metalist 1925 in the 14th round of the 2025/26 season.

Epitsentr carried a club-record five-match winless sequence in the championship, comprising two draws and three defeats. Kharkiv’s record run stood at five consecutive victories, while the side had gone nine league games without a draw, winning seven and losing two.

The fixture also offered several possible milestones without confirming their eventual outcome. Epitsentr was in line for its 40th UPL appearance, Serhiy Nahornyak for his 40th match as a top-flight coach, and Mladen Bartulovic could register his 20th managerial win in the competition. Baton Zabergdzhi had scored six goals during a five-game scoring streak, while referee Yevhenii Tsybulko brought experience from 14 UPL matches.