U19. Poltava vs Shakhtar: match preview
Friday, May 8, 2026
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Shakhtar youth team to face their Poltava counterparts away in the U19 National League round 27
May 9, Kremenchuk, O. Babaiev Kremin Arena, 12:00
Match build-up
In the previous round in the Youth League Clasico, the Miners were defeated by their Dynamo Kyiv counterparts, ending an unbeaten run that had lasted since the end of October 2025. As a result, the title race is heating up, while the Orange-and-blacks continue to lead the table with 67 points from 26 matches, holding a 3-point advantage over their nearest rivals. In their previous matches, the Pitmen defeated Kudrivka U19 (3-0), Polissia U19 (2-0) and LNZ U19 (2-1). It should be noted that Viktor Tsukanov and Denys Petruk will miss the match due to suspension.
Match build-up
In the previous round in the Youth League Clasico, the Miners were defeated by their Dynamo Kyiv counterparts, ending an unbeaten run that had lasted since the end of October 2025. As a result, the title race is heating up, while the Orange-and-blacks continue to lead the table with 67 points from 26 matches, holding a 3-point advantage over their nearest rivals. In their previous matches, the Pitmen defeated Kudrivka U19 (3-0), Polissia U19 (2-0) and LNZ U19 (2-1). It should be noted that Viktor Tsukanov and Denys Petruk will miss the match due to suspension.
Right now, every match is a battle for the title. It is the final rounds that will show who truly deserves the gold
Yehor Onishchuk, defender:
– Poltava U19 are capable of fighting until the final whistle. We expect an intense match where concentration and finishing will be key. We aim to impose our style of play from the first minutes and not allow the opponents to exploit space. Right now, every match is a battle for the title. It is the final rounds that will show who truly deserves the gold. At this stage, we need to give more than 100 per cent.
Opponents
Poltava U19’s first season at youth level has been extremely challenging. In 26 matches, they have recorded just 2 wins – against Veres U19 and Polissia U19. Ahead of the clash with Shakhtar U19, Ihor Klymovskyi’s side sit bottom of the table with 8 points (2 wins, 2 draws, 22 losses). Poltava U19 lost to Kryvbas U19 (1-2), Kolos U19 (1-3) and Obolon U19 (0-1) in their recent matches.
Match background
The teams have met only once at youth level, with Miners coming out on top.
Previous match
On November 7, 2025, Shakhtar U19 hosted Poltava U19 at the Sviatoshyn training base. The Miners took control from the opening minutes and attacked actively down the flanks. Midway through the first half, Petruk opened the scoring after a cross from Strilchuk, and later Harabazhii doubled the lead following a corner. In the second half, the Orange-and-Blacks continued to dominate and regularly threatened the opposition goal, with Verhun eventually putting the result beyond doubt. Shakhtar U19 won 3-0.
– Poltava U19 are capable of fighting until the final whistle. We expect an intense match where concentration and finishing will be key. We aim to impose our style of play from the first minutes and not allow the opponents to exploit space. Right now, every match is a battle for the title. It is the final rounds that will show who truly deserves the gold. At this stage, we need to give more than 100 per cent.
Opponents
Poltava U19’s first season at youth level has been extremely challenging. In 26 matches, they have recorded just 2 wins – against Veres U19 and Polissia U19. Ahead of the clash with Shakhtar U19, Ihor Klymovskyi’s side sit bottom of the table with 8 points (2 wins, 2 draws, 22 losses). Poltava U19 lost to Kryvbas U19 (1-2), Kolos U19 (1-3) and Obolon U19 (0-1) in their recent matches.
Match background
The teams have met only once at youth level, with Miners coming out on top.
Previous match
On November 7, 2025, Shakhtar U19 hosted Poltava U19 at the Sviatoshyn training base. The Miners took control from the opening minutes and attacked actively down the flanks. Midway through the first half, Petruk opened the scoring after a cross from Strilchuk, and later Harabazhii doubled the lead following a corner. In the second half, the Orange-and-Blacks continued to dominate and regularly threatened the opposition goal, with Verhun eventually putting the result beyond doubt. Shakhtar U19 won 3-0.