AZ Alkmaar
- AZ Alkmaar are 6th in the Eredivisie with 48 points from 30 games, a solid but unspectacular return from a domestic campaign which has been overshadowed by their progress in the UEFA Conference League 2025-2026.
- Alkmaar are 3-0 down and have to mount a comeback in Europe’s third-tier competition, something which requires a bold approach and near-perfect execution.
- Echteld’s side have the attacking talent to hurt Shakhtar on Thursday, with Troy Parrott - their top scorer and focal point in the attack - most likely to give their comeback hopes a chance with his movement and finishing.
Shakhtar Donetsk
- Shakhtar Donetsk are 2nd in the Ukrainian Premier League with around 50 points after 21 games.
- Shakhtar have won four of their last five matches in all competitions, conceding three goals.
- Pedrinho was the architect of their first-leg success, opening the scoring with a well-taken finish and creating chances throughout the match, while Alisson Santana’s late brace was the difference.
- Shakhtar’s build-up play from the back is well-drilled, while their high press and counter-pressing game as a unit are a thing of beauty to behold.
Head-to-Head
Alkmaar are 3-0 down and have to mount a comeback in Europe’s third-tier competition, something which requires a bold approach and near-perfect execution.
Key Players
- Echteld’s side have the attacking talent to hurt Shakhtar on Thursday, with Troy Parrott - their top scorer and focal point in the attack - most likely to give their comeback hopes a chance with his movement and finishing.
- Pedrinho was the architect of their first-leg success, opening the scoring with a well-taken finish and creating chances throughout the match, while Alisson Santana’s late brace was the difference.
- They will look to expose the gaps in AZ’s defence while their front players - Eguinaldo and Kauã Elias - offer the flair and finishing touch to punish them.
Betting Insights
- AZ are odds-on favorites at 1.96, while Shakhtar are available at 3.6, reflecting their aggregate advantage from the first leg.
- Backing ‘Over 2.5 goals’ at 1.73 should be profitable with plenty of action likely as AZ desperately try to get back into the tie.
Prediction
A Shakhtar win and a place in the Conference League semi-finals seems the most likely outcome, however, with Alkmaar requiring a miracle to get out of this hole with the injuries to Peer Koopmeiners and Jizz Hornkamp limiting their depth in midfield and attack.
