Preview

April 5, Lviv, Arena Lviv, 15:30
The live broadcast will be available on UPL.TV

Match build-up

Arda Turan's side have collected 47 points in 20 matches and share first spot in the league table with LNZ, while also having a game in hand and maintaining the best goal difference in the league by a clear margin (48-12). In spring, Shakhtar have not yet dropped points in the UPL, recording four consecutive clean-sheet wins over Karpaty (3-0), Veres (1-0), Oleksandriia (1-0) and Metalist 1925 (1-0), and the Pitmen’s unbeaten run in the national championship now stands at 12 matches. The team’s top scorer this season remains forward Kaua Elias (11 goals and 5 assists in all competitions).

During the international break, 10 Shakhtar players were called up to their national teams. The most notable performances came from Isaque Silva and Luca Meirelles, who not only made their debuts for Brazil U20 in a friendly against Paraguay U20 (3-1), but also scored their first goals for the Seleção. From midweek, Shakhtar trained in full squad (with the exception of injured players) in Lviv and prepared not only for the match against Rukh, but also for the UEFA Conference League quarter-final tie against AZ Alkmaar, which begins with the first leg in Kraków on April 9. Tickets for the home European match are on sale.

Opponents

Rukh have collected 19 points (goal difference: 16-32) and currently sit 14th in the UPL table. The Yellow-and-Blacks are 7 points clear of the direct relegation zone and are 2 points behind 12th spot, which ensures safety. The second half of the season for Ivan Fedyk’s side began with 5 consecutive defeats to Dynamo (0-1), Obolon (0-1), Metalist 1925 (0-3), Epitcentr (0-2) and LNZ (1-2). This poor start can partly be explained by significant squad losses during the winter break: the club left by seven key players, including top scorer Baboucarr Faal. Winger Samba Diallo and forward Ihor Neves were signed to strengthen the squad.

Match background

Shakhtar and Rukh played 10 matches in the UPL: 6 wins for the Miners and 4 draws. Total goal difference: 18-5 in favour of the Orange-and-Blacks.

Previous meeting

On September 28, 2025, the teams met in the first round league match in Lviv. The Miners scored two goals in each half: in the 27th minute, Luca Meirelles opened the scoring, followed by a brace from Pedrinho, who scored in the 31st and 49th minutes, while Isaque added the final goal towards the end of the match. 4-0 – a confident victory for the Piment.

Shakhtar vs Rukh match will be officiated by the judging panel headed by Andrii Kovalenko. Assistants – Maryna Striletska and Denys Romanov. VAR – Viktor Kopiievskyi.