The stakes are high for both sides. Crystal Palace, currently sitting 13th in the Premier League, seeks to secure their second trophy in two years under manager Oliver Glasner. Meanwhile, Shakhtar leads the Ukrainian Premier League, but their journey has been fraught with challenges due to the conflict back home.

Key statistics:

• This is the first-ever meeting between Shakhtar Donetsk and Crystal Palace.
• Shakhtar has played English teams 18 times, winning 5 and losing 9.
• Ismaila Sarr has scored 7 goals in this season’s Europa Conference League.
• Crystal Palace defeated Fiorentina 3-0 in the quarter-finals.
• The match is taking place in Poland due to the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Shakhtar advanced to this stage by defeating AZ Alkmaar with an aggregate score of 5-2. Yet, their circumstances are complex; as one analyst noted, “Despite this being a ‘home leg’ for Shakhtar, it is not really given it’s being played in Poland due to the ongoing war in Ukraine.”

Palace enters this match after a mixed run of form, including a recent 3-1 loss to Liverpool. Their aspirations hinge on players like Ismaila Sarr, who netted two goals against Fiorentina and has become a pivotal figure for the team.

The match will be officiated by João Pinheiro and is available for streaming on TNT Sports in the UK. With Oliver Glasner’s main injury concern being Tyrick Mitchell—who suffered an achilles injury during that Liverpool match—the stakes could shift dramatically based on his availability.

As both teams prepare for this historic encounter, uncertainty looms over how external factors may impact the game. With Shakhtar’s domestic success overshadowed by strife at home and Palace’s quest for European recognition, fans can expect an emotionally charged atmosphere as they take to the pitch.

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The upcoming match between Raków Częstochowa and Fiorentina raises the question: Can the Polish side overturn a 2-1 deficit from the first leg? The answer lies in their recent form and historical context. With the first leg ending in a narrow defeat, Raków must harness the energy of their home crowd at Stadion Raków in Poland to advance to the quarter-finals of the Europa Conference League.

Fiorentina, having secured a 2-1 victory in the first leg, enters this match with confidence. Their last outing was a resounding 4-1 win against Cremonese in Serie A, showcasing their attacking prowess. Key players like Moise Kean are expected to return to the starting lineup, adding further strength to their offensive capabilities.

On the other hand, Raków Częstochowa faces an uphill battle. Despite their impressive run in the Conference League, they have never reached a UEFA quarter-final. Their top scorer, Lamine Diaby-Fadiga, has netted six goals in twelve games, but the team recently stumbled, losing 3-1 against Górnik Zabrze in the Ekstraklasa. This defeat could weigh heavily on their morale as they prepare for this crucial encounter.

In the first leg, Raków’s Jonatan Braut Brunes managed to score, providing a glimmer of hope for the Polish side. However, they will need to capitalize on every opportunity in the return leg to overturn the aggregate score. The match kicks off at 18:45 CET, and the atmosphere is expected to be electric as fans rally behind their team.

Raków’s lineup will include players such as Zych, Tudor, Racovitan, Svarnas, Ameyaw, Repka, Struski, Jean Carlos, Makuch, Brunes, and Ivi Lopez. Each player will need to perform at their peak to challenge Fiorentina’s defense. Meanwhile, Fiorentina’s squad will feature Christensen, Dodo, Comuzzo, Ranieri, Parisi, Ndour, Fagioli, Harrison, Kean, and Fazzini, all of whom are capable of turning the tide in their favor.

The stakes are high for both teams. Raków Częstochowa, having impressed in the Conference League so far, finished second in the league phase and won the Polish title in 2023. This match represents not only a chance for glory but also a pivotal moment in their European journey. Can they break through the barriers that have historically held them back?

As the match approaches, anticipation builds. Will Raków Częstochowa rise to the occasion and secure a place in the quarter-finals, or will Fiorentina maintain their lead and advance? Details remain unconfirmed, but the outcome of this clash promises to be a thrilling spectacle for football fans.

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