Shakhtar vs AZ Alkmaar in the UEFA Conference League today: where to watch live and lineups By Janderson Luiz
5 min read
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Shakhtar Donetsk faces AZ Alkmaar this Thursday in the first match of the quarter-finals of UEFA Conference League 2025/26. The confrontation takes place at Stadion Miejski im. Henryka Reymana, on Cracóvia, on Polônia, from 7pm local time. The Ukrainian team seeks to advance in the European competition while the Dutch club tries to impose its fast style of play.
Both teams arrive with good recent momentum. Shakhtar is coming off a convincing victory in the national championship and demonstrating consistency at home in European games. Já AZ Alkmaar accumulates positive results in Eredivisie and has players in good form to complicate the lives of the home team.
- The game represents the quarter-finals.
- The return is scheduled for April 16th at Holanda.
- The winner advances to the UEFA Conference League semi-finals.
Escalation of Shakhtar Donetsk
Coach Arda Turan must rely on the base he played in the last few commitments. Dmytro Riznyk appears as a starter in goal. The defense has Y. Konoplya, V. Bondar, Marlon and P. Henrique. In midfield appear Y. Nazaryna, Alisson and O. Ocheretko, with Dmytro Riznyk0, N. Dmytro Riznyk1 and K. Dmytro Riznyk2 forming the offensive sector. Dmytro Riznyk3 formation reflects the pattern adopted in the recent 3-0 victory against Dmytro Riznyk4.
The Brazilian players in the Shakhtar squad stand out for their technical contribution. Marlon Gomes and other names help connect the middle with the attack. The Ukrainian team values ball possession and quick transitions, especially in continental competitions.
Expected formation of AZ Alkmaar
AZ Alkmaar must enter with Jeroen Zoet in goal. The defensive line includes D. Kasius, W. Goes, A. Penetra and M. Wit. In midfield play J. Clasie, K. Smit and E. Dijkstra, with S. Jeroen Zoet0, W. Jeroen Zoet1 and T. Jeroen Zoet2 in attack. Coach Jeroen Zoet3 usually opts for a 4-2-3-1 formation that favors organization and plays on the flanks.
The Dutch team has shown defensive solidity in recent games. The 2-0 victory against Fortuna Sittard at Eredivisie reinforced the group’s confidence. Troy Parrott and Sven Mijnans emerge as the main offensive threats due to their finishing ability.
Recent team performance
Shakhtar Donetsk has won four of the last five games played, including commitments for the Ukrainian championship and the previous stage of the Conference League. The performances at home or on neutral territory in the Polônia are usually solid, with good use of set pieces. The team accumulates important points this season and remains focused on the European competition.
AZ Alkmaar has recorded three wins, one draw and one defeat in the five most recent games. The Dutch club performs well away from home at Eredivisie and reaches the quarter-finals with high morale. Collective consistency helps to compensate for any absences due to suspension or injury.
- Shakhtar’s last five games: four wins and one loss.
- AZ’s last five games: three wins, one draw and one defeat.
- Both teams score frequently in European matches.
Where to watch live
Fans can follow the match live on ESPN on Premium, Disney+ or Paramount+. On some platforms there is a broadcast with ambient sound available to the Brazilian public. Coverage includes direct footage from the stadium on Cracóvia and real-time updates throughout the 90 minutes.
Official UEFA channels Conference League also offer streaming options in several countries. No Brasil, the main transmissions are concentrated on the platforms mentioned above. It is recommended to check the exact schedule to avoid game time mishaps.
Confrontation history
The teams have faced each other a few times in official competitions, with balanced results in the past. Shakhtar has a slight advantage in old head-to-heads, but AZ Alkmaar has shown progress in recent years. Este Quarter-final duel marks a new chapter in the history between the two associations.
The teams have not crossed paths in the current season before this match. The limited history increases interest in the confrontation, as there is no clear dominance of one side over the other. Cada Tactical detail could make a difference throughout the two games.
Weather forecast for the game
At Cracóvia, temperatures should be mild during game night, with a chance of partly cloudy skies. Ventos Moderates can influence high balls and crosses. Weather conditions should not interfere with the spectacle, allowing the teams to carry out their usual football.
Relative air humidity remains at comfortable levels for sports. Athletes need to adapt quickly to the Polish stadium’s pitch, which tends to be of good quality even during seasonal transitions.
Curiosities and highlights
Shakhtar will play the match away from its usual stadium due to known security concerns. The club maintains strong support from Ukrainian fans even in neutral territory. Vários players in the squad have experience in Conference League knockout stages.
AZ Alkmaar is betting on the youth and speed of its squad to surprise. Arda Turan, as a coach, he knows Ukrainian football well and can use this knowledge to create specific strategies. The duel between the Brazilians from Shakhtar and the Dutch organization promises interesting moves.
The referee chosen for the match has experience in European competitions. The coaching staff of both teams prepares the athletes for a physical and tactical game. Tickets for the stadium at Cracóvia sold out quickly among fans present in the city.
Top scorers and individual highlights
In Shakhtar, names like Pedrinho and K. Elias appear among the top scorers of the season. Eles contribute both goals and assists in decisive games. The Ukrainian team depends on the creativity of these athletes to create clear chances.
By AZ Alkmaar, Troy Parrott and Sven Mijnans lead the recent offensive statistics. The Dutch team values mid-range shots and quick plays. Esses Players can decide the match if they are given space on the field.
The UEFA Conference League quarter-final match gains importance for both teams’ calendars. Shakhtar Donetsk and AZ Alkmaar are looking for positive points on this trip to take advantage of Holanda on the way back. The show promises balance and opportunities for both sides.
