Preview

September 22, Lviv, Arena Lviv, 18:00
The live broadcast will be available on UPL.TV

Match build-up

Shakhtar are among the top three teams in the UPL, having collected 11 points from 5 matches (goal difference: 9-4). In the previous round, Arda Turan’s side drew with Metalist 1925 (1-1) after the Kharkiv team scored in the final minutes with a foul. This week, the Miners also began their Ukrainian Cup campaign: as the reigning holders of the trophy, the Orange-and-Blacks claimed a narrow win over Polissia Stavky in the Round of 32. It’s worth noting that the cup tie saw debuts for Shakhtar newcomers – midfielder Isaque and forward Luca Meirelles, who immediately marked the occasion with his first goal. At the same time, Shakhtar’s most prolific players this season remain Kaua Elias (5 goals) and Alisson (4 goals and 6 assists).

Opponents

Zorya began the season under a new yet familiar head coach – Viktor Skrypnyk, with whom the team had previously won bronze medals in the league twice and reached the Cup final. At the start of the 2025/26 UPL campaign, the Luhansk side recorded the full range of results: a draw with LNZ (0-0), wins over Kudrivka (2-1) and Poltava (4-1), defeats against Kryvbas (2-3) and Kolos (1-3). Thus, Zorya had 7 points ahead of this round (goal difference: 9-8) and sat 7th in the league table. It is also worth noting that Skrypnyk’s men have already ended their Ukrainian Cup run, losing to Chornomorets in the Round of 64 (1-2). The most prolific player for the Luhansk side this season is Pylyp Budkivskyi (5 goals).

Match background

Shakhtar and Zorya faced each other 53 times in the Ukrainian Championship: the Miners boast 41 wins, 5 matches ended in a draw, with the Luhansk side proving stronger in 7 games. Total goal difference: 127-38 in favour of the Orange-and-Blacks.

Previous UPL meeting

On May 9, 2025, the teams played a UPL match in Kyiv. The Miners started the game more actively but were reduced to ten men in the 17th minute. The remainder of the match saw some even play but no goals. Draw – 0-0.

The Shakhtar vs Zorya match will be officiated by the judging panel headed by Vitalii Romanov. Assistants – Oleksandr Korniiko and Maryna Striletska. VAR – Andrii Kovalenko.