Crystal Palace is set to compete against Shakhtar Donetsk on April 30, 2026, in their inaugural European semi-final at Synerise Arena in Krakow. This match comes as Shakhtar faces significant challenges due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has forced them to play away from home.
Shakhtar Donetsk leads the Ukrainian Premier League by eight points and reached the semi-finals of the Europa Conference League after defeating AZ Alkmaar with a convincing aggregate score of 5-2. However, they have struggled historically against English teams, winning only 5 out of 18 encounters.
On another front, Crystal Palace recently triumphed over Fiorentina with a decisive 3-0 victory in the quarter-finals. This performance showcased their potential, particularly with Ismaila Sarr scoring two crucial goals across both legs. Palace currently sits at 13th place in the Premier League but aims for further success under manager Oliver Glasner.
The match will be officiated by João Pinheiro and is available for streaming on TNT Sports in the UK. Despite being designated as a ‘home leg’ for Shakhtar, it’s essential to note that this match takes place in Poland due to the ongoing conflict.
Oliver Glasner’s squad may face challenges as Tyrick Mitchell is currently nursing an Achilles injury sustained during a recent loss to Liverpool. Nevertheless, Palace enters this fixture as strong favorites based on recent form and overall squad depth.
As both teams prepare for this critical match, uncertainties linger regarding player fitness and tactical adjustments. The outcome will not only influence their respective seasons but also highlight the resilience of Shakhtar Donetsk amid adversity.
