Preview

September 28, Lviv, Arena Lviv, 18:00
The live broadcast will be available on UPL.TV

Match build-up

Shakhtar have recorded 4 wins and 2 draws after 6 rounds and share top spot in the league with two rivals with 14 points (goal difference: 10-4). In their previous match, Arda Turan’s side defeated Zorya Luhansk (1-0), with 18-year-old Brazilian midfielder Isaque scoring his debut and only goal so far, assisted by another Shakhtar newcomer Luca Meirelles. The Orange-and-Blacks’ top scorer this season is Kaua Elias (5 goals). However, the team’s leader in goals + assists Alisson (4 goals and 6 assists) will be unavailable to the Pitmen for the next few months due to injury: he has been diagnosed with a fracture, undergone surgery in London and is now recovering.

Opponents

Rukh began the new league campaign with a win over Poltava (2-1), but then suffered five consecutive defeats and currently sit bottom of the UPL table with 3 points (goal difference: 4-12). Ivan Fedyk’s side narrowly lost to LNZ (0-1) in the previous round. At the same time, the Lviv outfit have been performing well in another domestic competition – the Ukrainian Cup. In the first round, the Yellow-and-Blacks edged past amateur side Kormil (2-1), and this week, they convincingly defeated Polissia Zhytomyr (3-0) at home in the Round of 32. Rukh’s most prolific player at the start of the season is Gambian forward Baboucarr Faal with 3 goals.

Match background

Shakhtar and Rukh played 9 matches in the Ukrainian Premier League: 5 wins of the Miners, with 4 clashes ending in a draw. Total goal difference: 14-5 in favour of the Orange-and-Blacks.

Previous UPL meeting

On May 24, 2025, the teams met in the final round of last season in Lviv. The first half ended goalless, but the Miners took the lead early in the second period – Eguinaldo scored following a corner routine. However, the hosts managed to equalise in the 57th minute – Faal headed in from a corner delivery. 1-1 draw.

The Rukh vs Shakhtar match will be officiated by the judging panel headed by Oleksandr Kalonov. Assistants – Oleksandr Korniiko and Yevhen Petrakov. VAR – Denys Reznikov.