“Shakhtar” has advanced to the Conference League semifinals
17 April 00:31
Donetsk’s Shakhtar advanced to the Conference League semifinals and took another step toward a potential historic European final. In the away match against Dutch side AZ, the Miners managed to maintain the advantage they had secured in the first leg and secured a spot in the first semifinal of this tournament in their history. This was reported by "Komersant Ukrainian" citing the club’s press service.
The draw in the second leg allowed the Ukrainian club to continue its fight for the trophy and, at the same time, earn important points for Ukraine in the coefficient table.
How Shakhtar reached the Conference League semifinals
The AZ vs. Shakhtar match ended with a 2-2 score. After a scoreless first half, the hero of the previous match, Alisson, opened the scoring, putting Arda Turan’s team ahead.
The hosts managed to respond with two goals. Jensen and Shin scored for AZ, bringing the intrigue back into the match. However, Luka Meireles restored the balance and effectively sealed the deal in the battle for a spot in the next round.
In the end, the 2-2 draw allowed the Donetsk club to advance thanks to the advantage gained in the first leg.
A historic achievement for the Donetsk club
For Shakhtar, this is the first time in the club’s history that they have reached the Conference League semifinals. This result is a significant achievement not only for the club itself but also for Ukrainian football as a whole.
In addition to continuing their fight for a European spot, the “Miners” also earned important points for Ukraine in the coefficient table, which affects the standings of Ukrainian clubs in European tournaments.
Who will be Shakhtar’s opponent in the semifinals
In the Conference League semifinals, the Donetsk club will face England’s Crystal Palace.
This team is already familiar to Ukrainian fans, as they faced Kyiv’s “Dynamo” in the group stage and defeated the Ukrainian champions 2-0.
Thus, in the semifinals, Shakhtar faces a serious test in the battle to reach the final.
Where will the Conference League final take place?
This year’s Conference League final will be hosted by Leipzig, Germany.
That is where the trophy winner will be decided, and Shakhtar is now just two steps away from the tournament’s decisive match.
Goals: 0 -1 Alisson (58), 1-1 Jensen (73), 2-1 Shin (80), 2-2 Meireles (83)
Shakhtar: Riznyk , Vinicius Tobias, Matvienko (c), Bondar, Pedro Henrique, Nazarina, Ocheretko (Bondarenko, 88), Izaki (Eginaldu, 61), Alisson (Marlon Gomez, 61), Neverton (Lucas, 70), Kauan Elias (Meirelles, 70)
