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The Soviet football league was not just about traditional superiority; it also introduced unique innovations. Among these was a controversial draw limit, whereby teams received no points for excessive draws—a rule that likely wouldn’t have been well-received by clubs like Juventus today. Despite these quirks, the late 1980s bore fruit for Soviet clubs on the European stage, with Dynamo Kyiv achieving notable success in the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup.
Dynamo Kyiv’s performance during this period solidified their reputation, especially after winning their second UEFA Cup Winners' Cup in 1986. This period highlighted the synergy between club success and individual accolades, as players frequently garnered high individual honors following major tournament victories.