Preview

July 10, Ljubljana, Stožice, 21:00
The live broadcast will be available on UPL.TV

Match build-up

Shakhtar will play their first competitive match under new head coach Arda Turan. The Miners prepared to kick off their European campaign with a two-week training camp in Brdo, Slovenia, where they played two friendlies – beating Croatian side Gorica (1-0) and tying with Czech club Slovácko (1-1). Brazilian players Eguinaldo and Newertton scored for the Pitmen. The Orange-and-Blacks’ coaching staff aimed to involve as many players as possible in the friendlies, distributing playing time almost evenly. Bolivian defender Diego Arroyo and Ukrainian midfielder Dmytro Kryskiv will miss the match against the Finnish opponents due to injuries.

Opponents

Ilves Tampere, whose history we introduced to fans after the draw, qualified for the UEFA Europa League as runners-up of the Finnish league in 2024. In the current Veikkausliiga season (the tournament is held in a spring-autumn format), the team, led by 37-year-old head coach Joonas Rantanen, have 9 wins, 2 draws and 4 losses after 15 rounds, sitting among the top three with 29 points. Tampere’s side are also the most prolific in the league: 33 scored 33 goals and 17 conceded. In their recent league matches, Ilves defeated Haka (4-0) and KTP (2-1), tying with SJK (1-1). The Lynxes’ top scorer this season is forward Roope Riski (7 goals and 2 assists).

Match background

Shakhtar and Ilves will meet for the first time. Also, the Miners have never faced Finnish teams in European competitions, and Tampere’s side have not previously played against Ukrainian clubs.

Stadium

The Stadion Stožice, where Shakhtar will host their opponents at this stage of the Europa League, is located in the northern part of Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana. The sports complex opened in August 2010 and has a capacity of 16,038 spectators. The stadium is home to NK Olimpija Ljubljana and the Slovenia national team. In 2021, it hosted the final of the UEFA European U21 Championship.

The Shakhtar vs Ilves match will be officiated by the judging panel from the Netherlands: referee – Marc Nagtegaal, assistants – Johan Balder and Roy De Nas, VAR – Richard Martens.