The match between Shakhtar Donetsk and Crystal Palace is set for April 30, 2026, at the Henryk Reyman Municipal Stadium in Kraków, Poland. This is significant as it marks Crystal Palace’s first major European semi-final against a historically strong team.
Shakhtar Donetsk is playing its home leg in Poland due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. The club has a strong European history, having won the UEFA Cup in 2009. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace aims to capitalize on its first appearance in a major European semi-final.
Key match facts:
- This is the first-ever meeting between Shakhtar Donetsk and Crystal Palace.
- Crystal Palace’s Ismaila Sarr has scored seven goals in the UEFA Conference League this season.
- The match will kick off at 19:00 UTC on April 30, 2026.
- The return match will take place at Selhurst Park on May 7, 2026.
In their last five matches, Crystal Palace lost to Liverpool but secured a win against Fiorentina. Shakhtar Donetsk recently drew with AZ Alkmaar. Despite their league loss to Liverpool at the weekend, Palace are favourites to progress past the runaway Ukraine Premier League leaders.
Shakhtar has faced English teams 18 times, winning five and losing nine. This history could weigh heavily on both teams as they prepare for this crucial encounter.
The match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports in the UK and CBS Sports in the US. Fans eagerly await this historic clash as both teams strive for success in the UEFA Conference League.
