Match Preview

Shakhtar Donetsk aims to secure their place in the UEFA Conference League quarter-finals on Thursday, carrying a significant advantage into the second leg of their round-of-16 tie against Lech Poznan. The Ukrainian side won the first leg 3-1 in Poland.

Shakhtar Donetsk progressed to this stage with a sixth-placed finish in the league phase, securing four victories and 13 points from their six matches. They finished with consecutive wins over Shamrock Rovers and Hamrun Spartans, alongside a draw against HNK Rijeka.

The Hirnyky took control in the first leg with goals from Marlon Gomes and Newerton, before Isaque restored their cushion late on, resulting in a 3-1 victory.

Most recently, Shakhtar Donetsk continued their winning streak with a 1-0 victory over Metalist 1925, thanks to a goal from Pedrinho, maintaining their top position in the Ukrainian Premier League with 47 points from 20 games.

Lech Poznan, meanwhile, had a more challenging path to the round of 16, finishing 11th in the league phase and needing to win a playoff tie against KuPS before facing Shakhtar Donetsk. They failed to capitalize on home advantage in the first leg, falling to a 3-1 defeat.

Despite the setback, Lech Poznan bounced back with a 1-0 win against Zaglebie Lunin, with Mikael Ishak scoring the decisive goal, moving them level with their opponents at the top of the Polish Ekstraklasa.

Team News

Shakhtar Donetsk will be without defender Valeriy Bondar due to suspension, having received his third yellow card of the Conference League campaign.

Dmytro Kryskiv and Marlon Gomes are injury concerns after being substituted in the first leg, joining Mykola Matviyenko in the treatment room.

Kaua Elias and Lassina Traore are competing for a starting position up front, with Elias leading the squad with 11 goals this season.

Lech Poznan has no suspensions to contend with but remains without Kornel Lisman, Alex Douglas, Radoslaw Murawski, and Daniel Hakans due to ongoing injuries.

Mikael Ishak remains a key player for Lech Poznan, having scored in their last two matches and totaling 26 goals in 40 appearances across all competitions, including 12 in 14 continental games. Patrik Walemark may join him in attack.

Possible Starting Lineups:

• Shakhtar Donetsk: Riznyk; Tobias, Marlon, Azarovi, Henrique; Ocheretko, Pedrinho, Nazaryna; Isaque, Elias, Newerton
• Lech Poznan: Mrozek; Pereira, Monka, Milic, Moutinho; Rodriguez, Kozubal; Bengtsson, Palma; Walemark, Ishak

Key Statistics

Here’s a look at the head-to-head and recent form:

• Shakhtar Donetsk League Position: 6th
• Lech Poznan League Position: 11th
• Shakhtar Donetsk Points: 13
• Lech Poznan Points: 10
• Shakhtar Donetsk Goals Scored: 13
• Lech Poznan Goals Scored: 16
• Shakhtar Donetsk Goals Conceded: 6
• Lech Poznan Goals Conceded: 11

Prediction

Although Shakhtar Donetsk doesn’t have the traditional home advantage, their performance in the first leg demonstrates their ability to overcome Lech Poznan, even on Polish soil. Given Lech Poznan’s need to attack and overturn the deficit, it’s likely Shakhtar Donetsk will capitalize and secure another win, advancing comfortably on aggregate.

Predicted Score: Shakhtar Donetsk 2-1 Lech Poznan (Shakhtar Donetsk win 5-2 on aggregate)

FAQ

What is the current aggregate score?

Shakhtar Donetsk leads 3-1 on aggregate.

Where is the second leg being played?

The second leg is being played in Krakow, Poland.

Who are the key players to watch?

For Shakhtar Donetsk, watch Marlon Gomes, Newerton, and Isaque. For Lech Poznan, keep an eye on Mikael Ishak.