Shakhtar Donetsk have secured their place in the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa Conference League, marking their first European semi-final appearance in six years and only the fourth in the club’s history.

There was a sense of anticipation ahead of the clash in Alkmaar, with many wondering whether AZ Alkmaar could produce a comeback on home soil. Head coach Leroy Echteld had admitted pre-match that his side’s priority remained the upcoming Dutch Cup final, though he did not rule out a strong start fueled by home support. His intentions became clear an hour before kick-off, as AZ Alkmaar made six changes to the starting XI compared to the first leg.

However, the fast start never materialised. Arda Turan had his Shakhtar Donetsk side well-drilled, anticipating early pressure and instructing his players to control possession. The Ukrainian side executed that plan with composure, while also threatening through direct long balls that bypassed midfield.

The best chance of the first half fell to Shakhtar Donetsk, when Isak produced a clever piece of skill inside the box but failed to hit the target. At the other end, concern briefly arose when goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk appeared to struggle with a back issue following a set-piece incident, though he managed to see out the half.

The breakthrough arrived in the 58th minute and effectively swung the tie in Shakhtar Donetsk’s favour. A swift counter-attack led by Kauan Elias ended with a composed finish from Alisson Santana, who slotted the ball into the far corner to silence the home crowd.

To their credit, AZ Alkmaar responded with renewed energy. Jensen produced a superb free-kick to pull one back, before Shin equalised with a well-taken volley following a clever assist from Kovács. For a moment, the momentum appeared to shift.

But Shakhtar Donetsk showed resilience and maturity beyond their years. As the hosts pushed forward in search of a winner, spaces began to open at the back — and the visitors capitalised. In the 83rd minute, Lucas Ferreira won possession deep in his own half and carried the ball forward before setting up Luka Meireles, who calmly restored parity at 2-2.

While the draw did not maximise Shakhtar Donetsk’s coefficient points, it was more than enough to secure progression. In doing so, the “Orange and Blacks” have become the first Ukrainian side to reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa Conference League.

2025-26, Conference League

AZ Alkmaar - Shakhtar 2:2 (0:0)
Goals: Alisson Santana, 58 (0:1); Jensen I., 73 (1:1); Šín, 80 (2:1); Luca Meirelles, 83 (2:2)

AZ Alkmaar: Zoet; Maikuma (Jensen I., 46); Dekker M.; Ichihara R.; van Duijl (Robbemond, 63); Chavez Mateo (Oufkir, 46); Boogaard; Sadiq I.; Patati; Šín; Meerdink (Kovács Bendegúz, 63)
Substitution: Jensen I. (from 46); Oufkir (from 46); Robbemond (from 63); Kovács Bendegúz (from 63)
Bench: Owusu-Oduro; Verhulst; Penetra; Dijkstra; Smit Kees; Mijnans; Parrott
Yellow Cards: Chavez Mateo 31; van Duijl 33; Boogaard 36; Sadiq I. 45

Shakhtar: Riznyk D.; Vinicius Т.; Pedrinho A.; Matviyenko; Bondar V.; Ocheretko (Bondarenko A-m, 88); Nazaryna; Alisson Santana (Marlon Gomes, 61); Newerton (Lucas Ferreira, 70); Isaque (Eguinaldo, 61); Kauã Elias (Luca Meirelles, 70)
Substitution: Marlon Gomes (from 61); Eguinaldo (from 61); Lucas Ferreira (from 70); Luca Meirelles (from 70); Bondarenko A-m (from 88)
Bench: Tvardovskyi; Ghram; Marlon; Azarov I.; Konoplya; Prosper; Traoré Las.
Yellow Cards: Isaque 25; Vinicius Т. 71; Eguinaldo 78; Matviyenko 85