Crystal Palace is set to face Shakhtar Donetsk on April 30, 2026, at the Synerise Arena in Krakow. This match marks Crystal Palace’s first appearance in a European semi-final, while Shakhtar Donetsk continues to navigate the severe impacts of the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Shakhtar Donetsk currently leads the Ukrainian Premier League by 8 points, demonstrating resilience amid turmoil. They reached this stage of the Europa Conference League by defeating AZ Alkmaar with a convincing aggregate score of 5-2. However, their history against English teams shows mixed results: they have won 5 and lost 9 of their previous encounters.
In contrast, Crystal Palace sits at 13th place in the Premier League. They secured their semi-final spot by defeating Fiorentina 3-0, where Ismaila Sarr notably scored 2 goals across both legs.
The match will be officiated by João Pinheiro and is available for streaming on TNT Sports in the UK. Despite being a ‘home leg’ for Shakhtar, it is not truly a home game—it’s played in Poland due to the ongoing conflict.
Oliver Glasner, Crystal Palace’s manager, aims for his second trophy within two years. He has already led the team to three trophies during his tenure.
The uncertainty surrounding Shakhtar’s situation adds an emotional layer to this clash. Players must balance competitive spirit with the realities of their homeland’s crisis. As this unique matchup unfolds, fans and analysts alike will closely watch how both teams respond under pressure.
