Shakhtar Donetsk host Crystal Palace in Poland for the first leg of the Uefa Conference League semi-finals on Thursday. The Ukrainian club continues to play its home European fixtures abroad due to the ongoing conflict in its home country, according to Sky Sports. Manager Marino Pusic said the team aims to provide a sense of pride for supporters during the match in Lublin.
Palace reached the final four after defeating Lille in the previous round, per the Premier League. This fixture marks the first time the south London club has appeared in a major European semi-final. Oliver Glasner has a nearly full squad available for the trip to Poland, though the club confirmed midfielder Cheick Doucoure remains absent through injury.
Shakhtar reached this stage following a victory over Marseille. The club has not played at its home stadium, the Donbass Arena, since 2014. Midfielder Georgiy Sudakov told reporters that representing Ukraine on this stage remains a significant motivation for the squad, according to The Guardian.
