Preview

August 31, Lviv, Arena Lviv, 18:00
The live broadcast will be available on UPL.TV

Match build-up

Shakhtar will play their 500th home match in the UPL. Arda Turan’s team approach this encounter with 7 points (goal difference: 6-3) from the opening three games. As a reminder, the Miners started the season with a win over Epicentr (1-0), drew with Karpaty (3-3) and defeated Veres (2-0) in the previous round. Additionally, the Orange-and-Blacks continue their European campaign, overcoming Swiss side Servette (2-1) in the Conference League play-off round thanks to a stoppage-time goal from Kaua Elias and securing a place in the UEFA Conference League league phase.

After 120 minutes in Geneva, the team returned to Ukraine only on Friday evening and managed to hold just one recovery session ahead of the match against Oleksandriia. Shakhtar also have several squad updates: Brazilian newcomers joined the team during the week – midfielder Isaque Silva and forward Luca Meirelles. Meanwhile, one of the Miners’ leaders, Heorhii Sudakov, has left the club and will continue his career with Portuguese side Benfica.

Opponents

Oleksandriia also began their season in July with European matches but quickly ended their Conference League qualifying campaign, losing twice to Serbian side Partizan (0-2, 0-4). Their start in the Ukrainian Championship has not been much better: defeats against Kudrivka (1-3), Obolon (0-1) and Metalist 1925 (1-4). Currently, the team led by the youngest coach in the UPL 33-year-old Kyrylo Nesterenko sit second-to-last, in 15th spot in the standings with 0 points and a goal difference of 2-8. Additionally, the “Citizens” will be without defender Miguel Campos for the match due to suspension.

Match background

Shakhtar and Oleksandriia locked horns 32 times in the Ukrainian Championship: 22 wins for the Miners, 6 draws, and 4 victories for Oleksandriia. Total goal difference: 59-31 in favour of the Orange-and-Blacks.

Previous UPL meeting

On March 1, 2025, the teams played at the Arena Lviv. There were no goals in the first half, but after the break, the Miners managed to break through: Heorhii Sudakov scored twice, finding the net in the 77th and 90+3rd minutes, while Eguinaldo added another goal in the 90th minute. 3-0 – a victory for the Pitmen.

The Shakhtar vs Oleksandriia match will be officiated by the judging panel headed by Klym Zabroda. Assistants – Valentyn Kutsev and Petro Kotubei. VAR – Dmytro Panchyshyn.