Shakhtar Donetsk arrive in Malta knowing that a victory over Ħamrun Spartans can seal their progression from the league phase of the UEFA Conference League.
The Ukrainian giants sit fourth in the standings with nine points from four matches, having won three and lost just once – a 2-1 defeat against Legia Warsaw, in a match played in Poland, where Shakhtar have been hosting their European fixtures due to the ongoing Russian invasion.
This encounter marks the second time Ħamrun will face Ukrainian opposition in the current European campaign.
Earlier in the summer, the Spartans met Dynamo Kyiv in the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round, where they suffered a 6-0 aggregate defeat.
Shakhtar, coached by Turkish football icon Arda Turan, began their European season in the UEFA Europa League but were eliminated in the third qualifying round after a penalty shoot-out loss to Panathinaikos.
They subsequently entered the Conference League play-offs, where they overcame Servette to secure a place in the group stage.
Domestically, Shakhtar are second in the Ukrainian Premier League on 32 points, trailing surprise leaders LNZ Cherkasy only on head-to-head criteria, following a 4-1 defeat to Cherkasy in the first round of fixtures.
Last season, Shakhtar competed in the UEFA Champions League, recording a 0-0 draw with Bologna and victories over Young Boys and Brest.
True to the club’s long-standing Brazilian recruitment pipeline, Shakhtar’s squad includes ten players from Brazil. Among them is 20-year-old striker Kaua Elias, signed from Fluminense during the winter transfer window for €17 million – another high-potential talent added to a lineage that once included Fernandinho, Douglas Costa, and Willian.
Turan, now 38, is experiencing his first managerial role outside Turkey, having taken charge in July. His record so far stands at 17 wins from 29 competitive matches, with his trademark attacking 4-3-3 likely to be deployed in full at the National Stadium.
For Turan, this match is both significant and delicate.
“It is a very valuable match for us because it can propel us forward in this competition,” he said.
“Ħamrun have a good team with players from different nationalities, which makes them strong. We want to win, but we need to be careful and smart about how we approach the match.”
Despite Shakhtar’s stature, Turan dismissed the suggestion that his side are clear favourites.
“I do not agree that we are favourites. We are playing with young players in this competition, and they are still improving. I am happy with their progress. Our colours carry a huge pedigree, but that does not make this an easy match. I remember Turkey drawing with Malta in the 2008 European qualifiers. I respect Ħamrun’s coach and his football philosophy. Against a team like Lausanne, they showed they can compete – they came very close to winning despite the loss.”
Players’ rotation
Asked about rotating players between domestic and European competitions, Turan clarified that selection hinges solely on strategy.
“Each of our players has played in both competitions. Before every match, we try to choose the best plan for the game, so it is not really about which competition we are playing in.”
Turan also identified specific threats within the Spartans’ tactical profile.
“Against Samsunspor, it was 1-0 until the 50th minute and Ħamrun had a big chance that they did not take. They are the second-best team in crosses in the Conference League and fifth in dribbling statistics, so they can be dangerous.
“Their wingbacks push forward and cross very well, their attacking players can dribble, and they have strong names like Ante Ćorić. We must respect that. They can be very threatening, especially on set pieces.”
Among Shakhtar’s emerging talents is 18-year-old Isaque Silva, another Brazilian acquisition from Fluminense who has contributed five goals and three assists in 30 matches.
Silva himself expressed confidence ahead of the fixture.
“I know something about the team and the league in Malta. We watched their matches in both the league and the Conference League. They are strong and they dominate domestically, which makes them a good team,” he said.
“I am very happy to be at Shakhtar. This will be my fifth match in Europe with the club, and I feel I fit very well with Arda Turan’s football philosophy. If God allows, I will help my team against Ħamrun and try to win this game.”
Silva also praised his coach’s influence on his adaptation.
“Since I arrived, the coach has helped me a lot with my footballing style and adjusting as quickly as possible,” he said.
