'They reflect the beautiful game': An analysis of Shakhtar Donetsk

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Sports scientist-turned-hobbyist analyst Pat Rosanio – better known by fans as @CPFC_Tampa – has been breaking down Crystal Palace games on social media for a number of years, having previously worked in Major League Baseball with the Toronto Blue Jays. Here, Pat will presents a scouting report on Shakhtar and how they will look to get back into the tie...

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Shakhtar Donetsk bring Brazilian flair and attacking prowess to SE25 for a European semi-final at Selhurst Park.

Manager Arda Turan will set his side up on the front foot, as Shakhtar prefer playing a high line, dominating possession, and setting up one-on-one scenarios for their playmakers to thrive.

GOAL PRODUCTION

Shakhtar look to control the game and score goals. They average 61.8% possession in UEFA Conference League, the highest average in the competition.

But this is not ‘possession for possession’s sake,’ as Shakhtar rank highly in both goals (3rd) and non-penalty goals (1st) per match in the UEFA Conference League.

These goal metrics are greatly outpacing expected goal (xG) data – where Shakhtar rank just 15th in xG and 13th in non-penalty xG. Often, this variance is attributed to poor goalkeeping or simply good fortune, but Shakhtar’s strong shot placement plays role in this overperformance.

Using expected goals on target (“xGOT”), we can compare a chance’s xG before the shot, to its goal probability after the attempt.

In their UEFA Conference League games, Shakhtar have generated 13.8 xG (pre-shot) and 15.1 xGOT (post-shot).

This increase shows that the placement, power, and timing of their shots have increased likelihood of scoring across the competition.

In layman’s terms, Shakhtar make the most of each chance they are given and rarely squander opportunities.

BRINGING “JOGO BONITO” TO UKRAINE

When in-possession, Shakhtar prefer a slow and methodical build up into the final third.

They average the third-most passes per sequence, the longest average sequence time, and the slowest average direct speed.

The idea is to overwhelm the opposition with short passing before shuttling the ball wide. Once there the wingers look for one-on-one situations.

This approach has proved fruitful, as Shakhtar rank third in UEFA Conference League for goals via build up.

Stylistically, Shakhtar play in a way that reflects “the beautiful game” philosophy.

They rank 32nd (out of 36 teams) for attempted crosses in UEFA Conference League and 34th in long balls attempted, but rank second in attempted through balls and first in dribbles completed.

Out of possession, Shakhtar’s focus is to win back possession as early - and as high up the pitch - as possible. The strength of their squad is not defending, but attacking, and they aim to play to their strengths.

Shakhtar average the second-highest defensive line in the competition and rank highly in pressed sequences (4th), high turnovers forced (5th), and goals from high turnovers (4th).

This aggressive approach has kept Shakhtar from defending in their own box often – leading to strong ranks in shots allowed (2nd), xG conceded (4th), and goals allowed (9th).

ONE TO WATCH: ALISSON SANTANA

Shakhtar’s attack is skewed down their right flank, where they both initiate and finish most attacks.

This is due to the presence of 20-year-old Alisson Santana at right winger. The electrifying Brazilian has been active and clinical in front of goal, ranking third in tournament for both dribbles completed and goals per 90 minutes.

Santana ranks is in the 95th percentile for xGOT, showing his clinical shot-placement ability. Santana is not just a one-way player, either, as he ranks in the 78th percentile for tackles and 76th percentile for ball recoveries amongst all wingers in the UEFA Conference League.

Match Action: Shakhtar Donetsk 1-3 Crystal Palace

Their UEFA Conference League journey so far

Click here to find out more about Shakhtar Donetsk's extraordinary season.
Find out more about Shakhtar Donetsk.

Shakhtar's European campaign started way back in early-July in UEFA Europa League qualifying. Finnish side Ilves was swept aside 6-0 in the opening round of qualifying to set up a meeting with Beşiktaş.

An impressive 4-2 away win at the Turkish giants helped earn a 6-2 aggregate victory, with the Miners now just one tie away from the league phase.

A penalty shootout defeat to Greek side Panathinaikos in the third qualifying round, after two goalless legs plus extra-time, meant the Europa League dream was over.

But that meant Shakhtar moved into the Conference League, which has proved a blessing. After seeing off Servette FC in the qualifying round, four wins out of six league phase games saw them finish sixth in the final league table which meant advancing directly to the Round of 16.

A difficult tie against Polish champions Lech Poznań followed. Shakhtar produced an impressive 3-1 away victory in the first leg, with Isaque Silva scoring a spectacular overhead kick that will surely be remembered as one of the goals of the season.

The return leg proved trickier. Complacency appeared to creep in as Shakhtar found themselves 2-0 down at half-time. However, a fortunate own goal — following a series of deflections — helped settle nerves and ensured progression to the quarter-finals.

On paper, AZ Alkmaar represented their toughest challenge of the campaign. But the Ukranian Cup holders responded in emphatic fashion, producing a commanding 3-0 victory in the first leg — a match made even more significant by the presence of club president Rinat Akhmetov, who attended his first game in 12 years.

A disciplined performance in the second leg earned a 2-2 draw, sealing progression to only the third European semi-final in Shakhtar’s history.

The Miners got off to a tough start against Palace in Krakow last week – time will tell if they can turn things around...

Match Details

Crystal Palace v Shakhtar Donetsk

Thursday, 7th May
20:00 BST
UEFA Conference League semi-final, second leg
Selhurst Park
Live audio commentary on Palace TV+

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