Shakhtar Donetsk will face Crystal Palace in the first leg of the Europa Conference League semi-final, with kickoff scheduled for 8 PM BST. Shakhtar, managed by Arda Turan, has overcome significant challenges since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, including a mass exodus of foreign players and a failed compensation claim of up to €50 million. Despite these obstacles, they secured their place in the semi-finals with a 5-2 aggregate victory over AZ Alkmaar. Crystal Palace, on the other hand, is riding high after a 3-0 win against Fiorentina in the quarter-finals, aiming to add a second major trophy to their history after a long wait for their first. This match not only highlights the resilience of Shakhtar amid ongoing conflict but also presents a crucial opportunity for Crystal Palace to continue their successful run in European competition.