Shakhtar Donetsk will take on AZ Alkmaar at the Henryk Reyman Stadium in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League quarterfinals on Thursday. AZ made it to the semifinals of the 2022-23 edition of the competition, while Shakhtar have made it to the quarterfinals of a European competition for the first time since the 2019-20 season.
Hirnyky faced Rukh Vynnyky in the Ukrainian Premier League last week and registered a comfortable 3-0 win, bouncing back from their narrow 2-1 loss to Lech Poznan in the second leg of the round of 16 of the Conference League.
Thanks for the submission!
De Kaasboeren resumed their Eredivisie campaign after the international break with a 2-0 home triumph over Fortuna Sittard last week. They kept their third clean sheet in four games and will look to build on that form.
Shakhtar Donetsk vs AZ Alkmaar Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- The two teams have crossed paths twice, with both meetings taking place in the round of 16 of the erstwhile UEFA Cup in 2005. AZ won both the home and away games.
- Hirnyky have failed to score in just one of their eight games in the Conference League this season.
- The visitors have lost four of their last five away games in all competitions.
- Shakhtar Donetsk have suffered just one defeat in competitive games since November, with that loss coming in the Conference League.
- AZ Alkmaar have won their last three games in the Conference League, scoring 10 goals while keeping two clean sheets.
- Shakhtar have kept nine clean sheets in their last 11 games in all competitions.
- The visitors have suffered just three defeats against Ukrainian teams, with all losses coming against Dynamo Kyiv.
- AZ have suffered three defeats in the Conference League this season, with all of them coming away from home.
Shakhtar Donetsk vs AZ Alkmaar Prediction
Hirnyky have seen decisive outcomes in their last seven games in all competitions, recording six wins in that period. Notably, they have won just two of their last nine meetings against Dutch teams, while suffering six defeats, which is cause for concern.
Defender Alaa Ghram was sent off against Lech Poznan and will serve a suspension here. Valeriy Bondar is back from a suspension of his own and should start here.
De Kaasboeren have won four of their last five games, scoring 12 goals in that period. Notably, five of their six defeats across all competitions in 2026 have been registered on their travels.
Isak Jensen was booked against Sparta Praha and is suspended for the first leg. Denso Kasius and Jordy Clasie won’t travel to Krakow due to fitness issues.
Considering AZ’s recent form in the Conference League games, we back them to eke out a narrow win.
Prediction: Shakhtar Donetsk 1-2 AZ Alkmaar
Shakhtar Donetsk vs AZ Alkmaar Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result – AZ Alkmaar to win
Tip 2: Goals – Over/Under 2.5 Goals – Over 2.5 goals
Tip 3: Both teams to score – Yes
Tip 4: At least one goal to be scored in the second half – Yes
Edited by Shubham Dupare
