Jozef Sabo watched Shakhtar Donetsk equalize AZ Alkmaar’s lead in the second leg of their UEFA Conference League quarter‑final and felt no doubt the Ukrainian side would advance, even as the Dutch club pressed for a winner.
The former Dynamo Kyiv midfielder praised Shakhtar’s composure after falling behind 2‑1, saying the players “played with maximum freedom” once the psychological burden lifted, and credited the team for working for the win rather than relying on luck from the first leg.
Sabо was blunt in his assessment of AZ, calling their performance over the two ties comparable to a mid‑table Ukrainian Premier League side and expressing disappointment that the Eredivisie club did not offer stronger resistance.
Shakhtar’s head coach, speaking after the match, dedicated the result to Ukrainians waking each morning with hope for peace, praised AZ’s effort and potential, and acknowledged the difficulty of facing a team that presses intensely.
He looked ahead to the semi‑final, noting that neither Fiorentina nor Crystal Palace would be easy opponents, recalling his own experience at Atlético Madrid where he faced Juventus, Milan, Barcelona, Chelsea and Real Madrid in successive rounds.
Former Shakhtar goalkeeper Yuri Virt said the Ukrainians controlled the game for most of the second leg, only conceding two goals in a brief spell after relaxing, and believed they could have won had they created more chances.
Virt added that the squad arrived in Alkmaar with strong emotions and desire, displaying a quality level sufficient to reach the last four.
The winner of the Shakhtar–AZ tie will meet either Fiorentina or Crystal Palace in the semi‑final, with the first legs set for April 30 and the returns on May 7, 2026.
Shakhtar’s mental edge proved decisive in a tense away leg
The Ukrainian side entered the return match knowing a draw would suffice, yet they approached the game with attacking intent, equalizing quickly after falling behind and maintaining pressure until the final whistle.
Sabо noted that once the players sensed qualification was within reach, a natural easing of tension occurred, which AZ exploited with two quick goals, but Shakhtar’s overall control never wavered.
Coach frames the victory as a symbol of resilience for Ukraine
In his post‑match remarks, the head coach linked the team’s performance to the broader struggle of Ukrainians facing daily uncertainty, dedicating the result to those who wake hoping for a safer tomorrow.
He praised AZ’s fighting spirit and potential, calling the encounter a valuable experience despite the difficulty of breaking down their high press.
Former goalkeeper believes more chances could have secured a win
Yuri Virt argued that Shakhtar created enough opportunities to win the match outright, suggesting the team’s performance was not merely about holding on but about asserting dominance.
He emphasized the squad’s readiness, emotional state and quality of play as factors that carried them through the tie.
What was the aggregate score between Shakhtar Donetsk and AZ Alkmaar?
The teams drew 2‑2 in the second leg, and Shakhtar won the tie on away goals after a 1‑0 victory in the first leg in Donetsk.
Who will Shakhtar Donetsk face in the UEFA Conference League semi‑final?
The winner of the Shakhtar–AZ tie will play either Fiorentina or Crystal Palace, with the first legs scheduled for April 30, 2026.