Shakhtar Donetsk vs Crystal Palace – Match preview and team news
TL;DR
Crystal Palace faces Shakhtar Donetsk in their first European semi-final in Poland. Both teams aim for a spot in the Conference League final on May 27 after impressive victories in earlier rounds.
Key points
- Crystal Palace is in their first European semi-final.
- The match is against Shakhtar Donetsk in Poland.
- Both teams aim to reach the Conference League final on May 27.
- Shakhtar reached the semi-finals by defeating AZ Alkmaar.
- Crystal Palace progressed after a victory over Fiorentina.
Shakhtar Donetsk vs Crystal Palace – Match preview and team news
Crystal Palace head to Poland tonight for the first leg of their maiden European semi-final.
The Eagles face Ukrainian giants Shakhtar Donetsk in a high-stakes Conference League encounter. Oliver Glasner’s side aim to reach the final in Leipzig on May 27. Palace progressed to this stage after a jubilant aggregate victory over Fiorentina.
Meanwhile, Shakhtar reached the final four by defeating AZ Alkmaar 5–2 on aggregate. Arda Turan’s men boast vast experience in both the Champions League and Europa League. However, the South Londoners previously enjoyed success in Poland against Dynamo Kiev this term.
Shakhtar Donetsk vs Crystal Palace – Match Preview and Team News
- Date: Thursday, 30 April 2026
- Kick-off: 20:00 BST
- Venue: Synerise Arena, Krakow
- Referee: João Pinheiro
- VAR: Tiago Martins
Team news
Shakhtar Donetsk
Arda Turan has restored his strongest starting eleven after resting several stars at the weekend. The Pitmen boast fourteen Brazilians in their squad, including key playmaker Isaque Silva. Isaque starts on the bench tonight as Turan manages his squad’s heavy workload. The Ukrainian champions remain eight points clear at the top of their domestic league.
Crystal Palace
Oliver Glasner is without three key first-team players for the trip to Krakow tonight. Evann Guessand, Eddie Nketiah, and Cheick Doucouré are all currently sidelined with various injuries. Tyrick Mitchell starts despite suffering an Achilles problem in the loss at Liverpool. Yeremy Pino also enters the lineup, replacing Brennan Johnson in the forward line.
Form
Shakhtar Donetsk
Shakhtar are on the cusp of lifting a third title in four seasons. They reached this stage after edging past Lech Poznan and AZ Alkmaar. Their record in this competition stands at six wins and two draws.
Crystal Palace
Palace sit thirteenth in the Premier League after a 3–1 defeat at Anfield. They have won three of their seven European away days this season. The Eagles are listed as favourites to win the Conference League trophy.
Confirmed Lineups
Shakhtar Donetsk Confirmed XI: Riznyk, Bondar, Marlon, Eguinaldo, Pedrinho, Henrique, Vinicius, Elias, Matviienko, Ocheretkoi, Alisson
Crystal Palace Confirmed XI: Henderson, Munoz, Richards, Lacroix, Canvot, Mitchell, Wharton, Kamada, Pino, Sarr, Mateta
How to watch Shakhtar Donetsk vs Crystal Palace?
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on TNT Sports. The fixture is also available for streaming via the discovery+ app.
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Q&A
What is the significance of the Shakhtar Donetsk vs Crystal Palace match?
This match marks Crystal Palace's first European semi-final, making it a historic moment for the club.
When is the final of the Conference League scheduled?
The final of the Conference League is scheduled for May 27 in Leipzig.
How did Shakhtar Donetsk and Crystal Palace reach the semi-finals?
Shakhtar Donetsk advanced by defeating AZ Alkmaar 5–2 on aggregate, while Crystal Palace overcame Fiorentina to secure their spot.
