The Ukrainians bypassed the play-off round, having finished sixth in the league phase with four wins and one draw, suffering just one defeat. The team then met Lech Poznan in the round of 16. The first leg away from home ended in a convincing 3:1 win for Shakhtar Donetsk. It seemed the return match would be more straightforward, but the Poles came close to taking the tie to extra time after scoring twice in the first 45 minutes. However, Shakhtar Donetsk’s passage into the next round was sealed by an own goal from the opposition. It is worth noting that the club have not reached the latter stages of European competition since 2020.
- Shakhtar Donetsk have avoided defeat in five of their last six Conference League matches (four wins and one draw).
- Exactly two or three goals were scored in seven of Shakhtar Donetsk’s previous 10 matches in this competition.
- Both teams scored in seven of the Ukrainians’ last 10 matches in this tournament.
Potential Shakhtar Donetsk Lineup (4-1-4-1)*
Dmytro Riznyk – Vinicius Tobias, Marlon, Alaa Ghram, Pedro Henrique – Yehor Nazaryna – Pedrinho, Oleg Ocheretko, Neverton, Alisson – Kauan Elias.
Defender Alaa Ghram is unavailable due to suspension.
AZ Alkmaar Form
The Dutch side have reached the Conference League quarter-finals for only the second time in their history. They first managed it three years ago, and on that occasion the club went on to reach the next round. This season, the team finished 14th in the league phase and then progressed through the play-offs, seeing off Noah (0:1 and 4:0). In the previous round, AZ Alkmaar came through comfortably against Sparta Prague, beating the Czech side in both legs (2:1 and 4:0).
- The club have not lost six of their last seven Conference League matches (five wins and one draw).
- At least one of the teams failed to score in six of AZ Alkmaar’s last seven matches in this tournament.
- The Dutch side scored two or more goals in five of their last seven matches in this competition.
Potential AZ Alkmaar Lineup (4-2-3-1)*
Jeroen Zoet – Mees de Wit, Wouter Goes, Alexandre Penetra, Denso Kasius – Kees Smit, Peer Koopmeiners – Sven Mijnans, Isaac Jensen, Ro-Zangelo Daal – Troy Parrott.
Forward Isaac Jensen will miss the match due to suspension.
Referee
Nicholas Walsh (Scotland)
Matches – 12 (international fixtures, 2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 53;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.4;
Red cards shown – 0;
Average fouls per match – 26;
Penalties – 25%.
* For each team, the starting XI from their previous match in this tournament is listed.
