Conference League Semifinal: Crystal Palace vs. Shakhtar Donetsk
On May 7, 2026, the UEFA Conference League semifinal of the 2025/26 season will see London's Crystal Palace face off against Shakhtar Donetsk from Donetsk. According to bookmakers GGBET, Crystal Palace enters the match as the clear favorite, having already defeated Shakhtar 3-1 in their previous encounter. This fixture adds to the growing narrative of Ukrainian clubs testing themselves against top European opposition in high-stakes knockout rounds.
The match will take place at Selhurst Park. GGBET odds list Crystal Palace's victory at 1.63, while a Shakhtar win is priced at 5.40. A draw is set at 4.31. For advancing to the final, Crystal Palace holds odds of 1.04, compared to Shakhtar's 12.25. Additionally, the over 4.0 total goals line stands at 5.15. These odds were quoted at 11:45 AM on May 7, reflecting market confidence in the London side.
Recent Form and Team News
Both clubs enter this clash with contrasting recent results. Crystal Palace suffered a 0-3 defeat to Bournemouth in the Premier League, while Shakhtar secured a 2-1 victory over Dynamo Kyiv. Crystal Palace is managed by Oliver Glasner, with Shakhtar led by Arda Turan. Compared to their last match against Crystal Palace, Shakhtar has made nine changes to their lineup. Key players retained in the starting eleven include Riznyk and Matviienko.
Crystal Palace's expected lineup for the match includes:
- Henderson
- Richards
- Lacroix
- Canvo
- Muñoz
- Wharton
- Kamada
- Mitchell
- Sarr
- Pino
- Mateta
Shakhtar's likely starting eleven is as follows:
- Riznyk
- Tobias
- Bondar
- Matviienko
- Pedro Henrique
- Pedrinho
- Gomes
- Ocheretko
- Alisson
- Elias
- Neverton
The head-to-head record between the two teams consists of a single match played last Thursday, where Crystal Palace won 3-1. Goals in that game were scored by Sarr (1st minute), Ocheretko, Kamada, and Larsen. This narrow history adds intrigue to the semifinal, as Shakhtar looks to overturn the recent result.
The match will be broadcast live on the Megogo streaming service, with coverage starting at 10:00 PM Kyiv time on the Megogo Football 1 channel. For English-speaking viewers, this represents a key opportunity to watch Ukrainian football on a continental stage.
This Conference League semifinal between Crystal Palace and Shakhtar Donetsk is a pivotal moment for both clubs. For Crystal Palace, it is a chance to assert dominance after their earlier victory, while Shakhtar aims to prove their resilience and advance to the final despite the setback. Given their differing domestic league results, the match promises to be tense and engaging for fans, underscoring the importance of international tournaments in elevating team standards and recognition across Europe.
As the anticipation builds for the semifinal clash, Arda Turan shared his thoughts on the upcoming match, emphasizing the importance of this showdown for Shakhtar's aspirations in the tournament. With contrasting performances in their recent games, both teams are under pressure to deliver their best. Insights from Turan could provide valuable context for fans looking to understand the dynamics at play in this pivotal encounter.