This match marks the first-ever meeting between Shakhtar Donetsk and Crystal Palace in a European competition, taking place on April 30, 2026, in Warsaw, Poland. The significance of this encounter is underscored by Shakhtar’s participation in their maiden Conference League campaign, while Crystal Palace looks to build on their recent FA Cup victory under manager Oliver Glasner.
Shakhtar Donetsk has demonstrated resilience amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine, achieving a noteworthy record against English teams with five wins out of nine matches. In contrast, Crystal Palace aims to recover from an unexpected elimination from the FA Cup by non-league side Macclesfield.
Key statistics:
- Shakhtar has six wins in the Conference League, five of which were by a margin of two or more goals.
- The match serves as the first leg of the semi-finals in the Conference League.
- Shakhtar’s last match against an English team ended in a 1-1 draw against Manchester City during the 2019/20 UEFA Champions League.
For this historic clash, Shakhtar’s starting XI includes players like Riznyk, Tobias, and Kauã Elias. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace will field notable players such as Henderson, Richards, and Jean-Philippe Mateta. The match is set to be broadcasted live on TNT Sports 2 and HBO Max in the UK, while US viewers can access it through Paramount+
In Turkey, fans can watch the match for free on TRT1 via Tabii. As anticipation builds for this unique fixture, it remains uncertain how both teams will adapt to the pressure of this new competitive landscape.