The first leg of the Europa Conference League semi-final brings together Shakhtar Donetsk and Crystal Palace in Krakow. The Ukrainian side, technically the home team, continues to play its European fixtures abroad, while the English visitors are enjoying their maiden continental adventure. The winner of this two-legged tie will progress to face either Rayo Vallecano or Strasbourg in the final. Both teams arrive with strong motivation — Shakhtar aiming to reach another European final, and Palace seeking to extend their historic run even further.

Shakhtar Donetsk’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Shakhtar Donetsk enter this semi-final in excellent form, having gone unbeaten in 22 of their last 23 matches across all competitions. Their consistency has been remarkable, with the team also avoiding defeat at half time in 23 of their last 25 outings. In their most recent match, they claimed a 1-3 victory over Kudrivka on April 26, further boosting confidence ahead of this crucial European clash.

In the Europa Conference League, Shakhtar’s record stands at 6 wins, 4 draws, and 2 defeats, averaging 1.8 goals scored and 1.0 conceded per game. They have found the net in each of their last 13 matches, underlining their attacking reliability. Over their last five fixtures, the Ukrainian champions have posted 3 wins and 2 draws, scoring an average of 2.0 goals while conceding 1.2. Their recent 3-0 triumph over AZ Alkmaar in the previous round demonstrated their ability to dominate even when playing away from home.

Historically, Shakhtar have performed well against English opposition, winning five of their last nine home matches against Premier League sides. Despite playing outside their home country, they have managed to maintain a strong “home” record in Europe, winning two of their last four Conference League matches. The team’s attacking line, featuring several Brazilian talents, has been particularly effective, combining for six goals in recent rounds. With such momentum, Shakhtar will look to capitalize on their experience and tactical discipline to take an advantage into the second leg.

Crystal Palace’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Crystal Palace continue to make history in their first-ever European campaign. The English side reached this stage after eliminating Fiorentina 4-2 on aggregate, and they will now aim to replicate their earlier 2-0 victory over Dinamo Kyiv when facing another Ukrainian opponent. However, their recent 3-1 defeat to Liverpool on April 25 showed some defensive vulnerabilities that they will need to address before this semi-final.

In the Europa Conference League, Palace have recorded 6 wins, 5 draws, and 3 defeats, averaging 1.4 goals scored and 0.7 conceded per match. Their defensive structure has been solid throughout the competition, and they have not lost at half time in their last 14 European fixtures. Impressively, they have led at half time in 8 of their last 10 Conference League games, showing their ability to start matches strongly. Over their last five matches in all competitions, Palace have managed 2 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses, scoring an average of 1.4 goals while conceding 1.2.

Injuries, however, could play a role in this tie. Defender Tyrick Mitchell remains a doubt due to an Achilles issue, while Eddie Nketiah, Evann Guessand, and Cheick Doucoure are unavailable. Fortunately, Borna Sosa is expected to step in if needed. On the attacking front, Ismaila Sarr has been a standout performer, scoring seven goals in ten Conference League appearances. Palace’s away form has been mixed — they have won only one of their last five away matches in the competition — but their attacking consistency, having scored in all of their last ten away games, keeps them a dangerous opponent.

Shakhtar Donetsk vs Crystal Palace Analysis and Prediction

This semi-final promises to be a fascinating clash between experience and ambition. Shakhtar Donetsk bring a wealth of European pedigree and a strong unbeaten run, while Crystal Palace arrive with the enthusiasm of a team writing new pages in their history. Both sides have shown attacking intent throughout the season, and the statistics suggest a competitive, goal-filled encounter.

Shakhtar’s ability to score consistently, combined with Palace’s attacking threat led by Sarr, points toward a match where both teams are likely to find the net. The Ukrainian side’s record of scoring in 13 consecutive matches and Palace’s streak of scoring in ten straight away games reinforce this expectation. Defensively, both teams have shown occasional lapses, with Shakhtar keeping only one clean sheet in their last five matches and Palace conceding in four of their last five away fixtures.

Given the balance of form and the attacking profiles of both teams, this first leg could be decided by small margins. Shakhtar’s experience in managing high-pressure European ties might give them a slight edge, especially considering their strong record against English clubs. However, Palace’s resilience and ability to perform away from home mean they cannot be underestimated.

• Shakhtar Donetsk unbeaten in 22 of their last 23 matches.


• Crystal Palace have not lost at half time in their last 14 Conference League games.


• Both teams have scored in four of Shakhtar’s last five matches.


• Palace have scored in all of their last ten away fixtures.


• Over 2.5 goals has occurred in 52% of recent matches involving these teams.

All signs point to an open and entertaining first leg, with both sides eager to take a decisive step toward the final. Shakhtar’s attacking rhythm and home consistency could make the difference, but Palace’s counter-attacking style ensures this tie remains finely balanced heading into the return leg in London.

Shakhtar Donetsk vs Crystal Palace prediction from BetMines: Both Teams To Score (Yes) with 52% probability.