Shakhtar Donetsk and AZ meet on April 9th, 2026, in a high-stakes Europa Conference League clash. Shakhtar currently sits 6th in their league standings with a solid record of 13 points from six matches, while AZ finds themselves in 14th place. Both clubs are looking to leverage their domestic experience to secure a vital result in this European fixture.

Shakhtar enters the match following a mixed performance against Lech Poznań, balancing a strong league campaign with some recent volatility in knockout football. Conversely, AZ is riding a wave of confidence after dismantling Sparta Praha in their previous round, scoring six goals across two legs. This contrast in recent momentum sets the stage for an intriguing tactical battle between the Ukrainian side's defensive stability and the Dutch team's newfound offensive rhythm.

Good news for both managers is that there are no reported injuries or suspensions for either squad heading into the match. With full-strength rosters available, both teams are expected to deploy their strongest tactical setups. This availability of key players suggests a high-quality encounter where individual brilliance could prove to be the difference.

Our analysis points toward a very competitive and narrow match, with a draw being the most probable outcome. While Shakhtar is favoured to win at 39%, the 38% probability of a draw suggests the teams are closely matched. We expect both sides to find the back of the net, but the defensive discipline of both teams will likely keep the total goal count low.