Shakhtar draw at AZ to cruise into Conference League semis

Shakhtar Donetsk drew 2-2 at AZ Alkmaar on Thursday as the Ukrainian side progressed to the UEFA Conference League semifinals with a 5-2 aggregate win.

Already three goals to the good ahead of their trip to the Netherlands, Shakhtar had seemed like they would book their last four berth in style when Alisson Santana opened the scoring at AZ Stadion shortly before the hour.

Isak Jensen and Matej Sin hit back for the hosts inside the final 20 minutes, but it was too little, too late as Luca Meirelles' 83rd-minute equaliser extinguished any hopes of a dramatic comeback.

Shakhtar through to semi-finals 🧡#UECL pic.twitter.com/bwd8sAO6eL — UEFA Conference League (@Conf_League) April 16, 2026

Shakhtar through to semi-finals 🧡#UECL pic.twitter.com/bwd8sAO6eL — UEFA Conference League (@Conf_League) April 16, 2026

Shakhtar will next face the winners of Crystal Palace's tie with Fiorentina, which takes place later Thursday.

Shakhtar are semi-final bound 👊#UECL pic.twitter.com/wBgckDmsyC — UEFA Conference League (@Conf_League) April 16, 2026

The Premier League side looked poised to book that semifinal spot as they travel to Tuscany with a 3-0 aggregate lead after the first leg at Selhurst Park.

Elsewhere, Rayo Vallecano visit AEK Athens, also with a 3-0 first-leg advantage, and Strasbourg host Mainz with the home side looking to overturn a 2-0 deficit.