Shakhtar leads the Ukrainian Premier League and reached this semi-final by defeating AZ Alkmaar 5-2 on aggregate. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace aims to secure their second trophy under manager Oliver Glasner.

Key match 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 the Conference League this season.
• Crystal Palace won against Fiorentina 3-0 in the quarter-finals.
• Palace is currently ranked 13th in the Premier League.

The match is being played in Poland due to the ongoing conflict affecting Shakhtar’s home ground. Despite this being a ‘home leg’ for Shakhtar, it is not truly home as they play away from Ukraine.

Injury concerns:

Oliver Glasner’s main injury concern is Tyrick Mitchell, who hurt his achilles against Liverpool.

As of midday, officials have not confirmed how the war’s impact will affect Shakhtar’s performance. The match will be refereed by João Pinheiro and will be available for streaming on TNT Sports in the UK.

With both teams aiming for victory, the stakes are high. This encounter marks a historic moment for both clubs as they navigate through unique challenges.

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As Raków Częstochowa prepares to host Fiorentina in a pivotal Europa Conference League match, the central question looms: Can Raków overcome a 2-1 deficit from the first leg? The answer is crucial, as they aim to reach the quarter-finals for the first time in their history.

Fiorentina secured a narrow victory in the first leg, winning 2-1 at their home ground, the Stadio Artemio Franchi. This puts pressure on Raków, who have never advanced to this stage in UEFA competitions. The Polish side has shown resilience, with Lamine Diaby-Fadiga emerging as their top scorer in the Conference League, netting six goals in 12 appearances.

Recent performances set the stage for this encounter. Fiorentina comes off a commanding 4-1 win against Cremonese in Serie A, showcasing their attacking prowess. In contrast, Raków suffered a setback, losing 3-1 to Górnik Zabrze in the Ekstraklasa, which could impact their morale heading into this critical match.

The match kicks off at 18:45 CET at Stadion Raków in Poland, where fans will be eager to see if their team can turn the tide. Raków’s lineup features key players including Zych, Tudor, Racovitan, and Ivi Lopez, while Fiorentina welcomes back Moise Kean to their starting XI, alongside other notable names like Jack Harrison and Albert Gudmundsson.

In the first leg, Jonatan Braut Brunes scored for Raków, providing a glimmer of hope for the Polish team. However, they will need to capitalize on every opportunity to overturn the deficit. The stakes are high, as a win would not only advance them in the tournament but also mark a historic achievement for the club.

As the match approaches, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation. Fans are hopeful that Raków can leverage their home advantage and capitalize on Fiorentina’s potential vulnerabilities. The outcome remains uncertain, and details remain unconfirmed as both teams finalize their strategies.

With the clock ticking down to kickoff, all eyes will be on Raków Częstochowa vs Fiorentina. Will the Polish side rise to the occasion, or will Fiorentina secure their place in the next round? The answer lies just moments away.

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