Andriy Vorobey Shares His Take on Shakhtar's Conference League Prospects
Andriy Vorobey, a legendary striker for Shakhtar Donetsk, has shared his assessment of the team's chances in the UEFA Conference League semifinals, where they will face English side Crystal Palace. Speaking in an interview with Glavkom, Vorobey offered his perspective on the upcoming clash. The first leg is scheduled for April 30, 2026, in Krakow, with the return match set for May 7, 2026, at Selhurst Park in London. Both fixtures kick off at 10:00 PM local Kyiv time.
Vorobey acknowledged that reaching the semifinals is already a commendable achievement for Shakhtar.
“Sure, this tournament isn't the Champions League, but making it to the semifinals of any European competition is an accomplishment,” he emphasized.However, he cautioned that Shakhtar will face an uphill battle against Crystal Palace, whom he views as the clear favorite to win the tournament.
“Their wins over Lech and AZ in the Conference League weren't very convincing, in my opinion. There were mistakes and nerves. So I'm leaning toward Crystal Palace, but I still believe in Shakhtar. As the great Ukrainian coach Viktor Prokopenko used to say, don't look for logic in football,” Vorobey remarked.
FC Sion President Addresses Plans for Matches Against Russian Clubs
Separately, Christian Constantin, president of Swiss club FC Sion, has outlined his intentions regarding potential matches with Russian teams. He stated that Sion currently has no plans to hold such games this summer but is considering playing against Russian Premier League clubs during the autumn international break.
“We'll look at different options,” Constantin said.
As Shakhtar prepares for these pivotal Conference League matches, opinions on their chances remain divided. Meanwhile, Sion continues its push for a spot in European competitions. It is worth noting that Shakhtar's strong performances on the international stage could significantly enhance the club's reputation and financial standing, especially amid the ongoing challenges in Ukrainian football. At the same time, the possibility of Sion facing Russian clubs highlights the complex dynamics in European football, where political factors often intersect with sporting decisions.
As Shakhtar navigates the challenges of the Conference League, their performance could also impact their aspirations for a direct spot in the UEFA Champions League. Understanding the implications of their current standing and potential outcomes is crucial for fans. For a deeper look into how Shakhtar might secure such an opportunity, check out our analysis on securing a Champions League berth.