Shakhtar Donetsk are through to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Europa Conference League, though not without a serious scare against Lech Poznan in a tense second leg.

After securing a confident 3–1 away victory in the first encounter, Arda Turan spent the build-up warning his players against complacency. His concerns proved justified. The Ukrainian side were hit by significant squad issues, with both first-choice centre-backs Mykola Matviyenko and Valeriy Bondar sidelined. Midfield options were also limited, as Dmytro Kryskiv and Marlon Gomes failed to recover in time, forcing Yehor Nazaryna into the starting XI.

Lech Poznan, meanwhile, arrived full of confidence after a crucial domestic win over the Ekstraklasa leaders. Questions remained over how much energy that performance had cost them, but Niels Frederiksen still named a strong, competitive lineup for the decisive clash.

The opening stages were a shock to the system for the home crowd. Lech Poznan approached the game with clear intent, drastically adjusting their tactical setup. Compact, disciplined, and patient, the Polish side denied space and waited for their moment. In the 13th minute, Mikael Ishak rose to meet a superb diagonal delivery, powering home a header to ignite belief.

Shakhtar Donetsk looked unusually sluggish, struggling to impose themselves or create meaningful chances. Their problems deepened just before the break when a handball decision went against them. Mikael Ishak stepped up and calmly converted from the spot, levelling the aggregate score at 3–3 and shifting all momentum toward the visitors.

The second half began in similar fashion, with Lech Poznan pushing for a decisive third goal. They came agonisingly close in the 47th minute, but Dmytro Riznyk, combined with a touch of fortune, kept Shakhtar Donetsk alive in the tie.

Gradually, the Ukrainian side began to regain control, though Lech Poznan remained committed to their disciplined approach. The turning point arrived midway through the second half — albeit in fortunate fashion. A dangerous cross from Newerton forced Joao Moutinho into a costly mistake, as the defender turned the ball into his own net, handing Shakhtar Donetsk a crucial lifeline.

The final 15 minutes were nothing short of chaotic. Lech Poznan threw everything forward, while Shakhtar Donetsk repeatedly broke on the counter-attack, squandering multiple chances to put the tie beyond doubt.

At the final whistle, it was a tale of mixed emotions — defeat on the night, but victory where it mattered most. Shakhtar Donetsk advance to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Europa Conference League, where they are set to face Dutch side AZ Alkmaar in what promises to be another compelling European battle.

2025-26, Conference League

Shakhtar - Lech 1:2 (0:2)
Goals: Ishak, 13 (0:1); Ishak, 45 (penalty) (0:2); Moutinho J. B., 67 (own goal) (1:2)

Shakhtar: Riznyk D.; Vinicius Т.; Ghram; Pedrinho A.; Marlon; Pedrinho; Ocheretko; Nazaryna (Isaque, 62); Alisson Santana (Lucas Ferreira, 80); Newerton (Eguinaldo, 85); Kauã Elias (Traoré Las., 80)
Substitution: Isaque (from 62); Lucas Ferreira (from 80); Traoré Las. (from 80); Eguinaldo (from 85)
Bench: Fesiun; Tvardovskyi; Azarov I.; Konoplya; Bondarenko A-m; Prosper; Shved M.; Luca Meirelles
Yellow Cards: Ghram 49

Lech: Mrozek; Monka; Moutinho J. B.; Milić A.; Gumny (Pereira J.V., 46); Thordarson G. (Agnero, 83); Kozubal; Palma (Bengtsson L., 68); Ismaheel (Gholizadeh, 68); Ishak; Rodríguez P. (Walemark, 77)
Substitution: Pereira J.V. (from 46); Bengtsson L. (from 68); Gholizadeh (from 68); Walemark (from 77); Agnero (from 83)
Bench: Andreev P.; Gurgul; Dudek S.; Ouma; Skrzypczak