Donetsk "Shakhtar" played a hard-fought draw with Dutch AZ (2:2) in the second leg of the Conference League quarter-finals and confidently advanced to the semi-finals of the tournament on aggregate. The "Miners" next opponent will be English "Crystal Palace". A UNN correspondent visited the stadium and witnessed an evening that for Ukrainian fans turned not only into a football celebration but also into a true moment of unity abroad.
Details
Long before the starting whistle, Ukrainian songs, chants, and shouts of support for "Shakhtar" could be heard near the arena in Alkmaar. Despite the away match status, the guest sector was completely filled. Ukrainian flags, city flags, club scarves, and symbols of Donetsk region fluttered in the stands.
Throughout the match, Ukrainian fans did not stop for a minute. After each successful action, the sector erupted in applause. The stadium heard the guests especially loudly after "Shakhtar's" goals in the second half. The atmosphere resembled a home match for the team rather than an away game.
The first half ended goalless, although both teams had chances. After the break, "Shakhtar" opened the scoring thanks to a precise shot by Alisson. Later, AZ managed not only to equalize but also to take the lead - 2:1. However, the Ukrainian team did not break - just a few minutes later, Luca Meirelles set the final score at 2:2.
This was enough to advance on aggregate (5:2) and reach the semi-finals of the European competition - for the first time since 2020, when "Shakhtar" played in the Europa League semi-finals.
In addition to the club's tournament success, Ukraine improved its position in the UEFA coefficient table. Thanks to the draw in the Netherlands, our association received another 0.375 points and rose to 23rd place, overtaking Serbia. The next target remains Hungary, which is 1.275 points ahead of Ukraine.
A UNN correspondent spoke in the stands with a fan from Germany who specially came to support the Ukrainian club.
"I love 'Shakhtar' because you always play beautiful football and develop new Brazilian football stars. I try to attend every away game of 'Shakhtar',"
Among the fans was also a Ukrainian from Bakhmut, who now lives in the Netherlands after being forced to move due to the war. For him, this match was particularly emotional.
"I'm from Bakhmut, now I live here as a refugee. When you see Ukrainian flags, hear our songs, and support 'Shakhtar' - it's like returning home again. Today it was more than football,"
After the final whistle, the Ukrainian stands did not disperse for a long time. The footballers approached the sector to thank the fans, and in response, they heard loud chants of the club's name and Ukraine.
This evening in the Netherlands became an example of how sports unite Ukrainians in different countries. For many present, it was not just a match - it was an opportunity to feel home, unity, and pride for their team and country.
Shakhtar advances to Conference League semi-finals after draw with AZ16.04.26, 21:53