Is Shakhtar Donetsk v Crystal Palace on TV? Channel, streaming and how to watch Conference League semi-final

A place in the UEFA Conference League final is on the line as Shakhtar Donetsk and Crystal Palace meet in a crunch European clash that promises drama, history, and high-stakes football. For Crystal Palace, this semi-final represents a golden opportunity to cap off Oliver Glasner’s tenure with yet another piece of silverware. For Shakhtar, it is a chance to remind the continent of their resilience and pedigree, despite being forced to play their home matches in exile. The first leg of this fascinating tie will be held in Krakow, Poland, with the Ukrainian side unable to play in their home city of Donetsk since 2014 due to the ongoing conflict in the Donbas region.

This is not just a football match; it is a story of survival, ambition, and tactical warfare. As the Eagles look to soar into the final, the Miners are digging deep for one last push. Here is everything you need to know about how to watch Shakhtar Donetsk v Crystal Palace, including TV channels, live streaming options, and expert analysis.

How to watch Shakhtar Donetsk v Crystal Palace: TV channel and live stream

Football fans across the globe are eager to tune into this semi-final showdown. Below is the full broadcast breakdown for the first leg, which kicks off at 8:00 PM BST (9:00 PM local time in Krakow) on Thursday, May 8, 2025.

• United Kingdom: The match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate. Subscribers can also stream via the Discovery+ app and website.
• United States: Fans can watch on CBS Sports Network or stream live via Paramount+ (English) and ViX (Spanish).
• Canada: The game is available on DAZN.
• Australia: Stream live on Stan Sport.
• Ukraine: Local broadcaster MEGOGO will carry the match, along with UA:Pershyi for free-to-air coverage.
• International: Check local listings on UEFA.tv for region-specific availability.

Key tip: If you are traveling, use a reliable VPN to access your home streaming service. The match is also available on BTSport.com for UK subscribers with a valid login.

Why this semi-final is a tactical masterclass waiting to happen

On paper, this is a clash of contrasting footballing philosophies. Crystal Palace, under the departing Oliver Glasner, have evolved into a high-pressing, vertical-attacking unit that thrives on transitions. Glasner’s 3-4-2-1 system has turned Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise into dual playmakers, while Jean-Philippe Mateta has enjoyed a renaissance as the focal point of the attack. The Eagles’ run to the semi-finals has been built on defensive solidity and explosive counter-attacks, with key wins over Fenerbahçe and Fiorentina in the knockout stages.

Meanwhile, Shakhtar Donetsk are a team forged in adversity. Playing their “home” games in Krakow’s Stadion Miejski, the Miners have adapted to a nomadic existence. Manager Marino Pušić has cultivated a squad that blends Brazilian flair with Ukrainian grit. The likes of Heorhiy Sudakov and Danylo Sikan have been outstanding, while veteran winger Taras Stepanenko provides leadership in midfield. Shakhtar’s Europa League triumph in 2009 remains a benchmark, but this Conference League run has been equally impressive, featuring a quarter-final demolition of Aston Villa.

Expert analysis: The key battle will be in midfield. Shakhtar’s ability to retain possession and break lines with Sudakov’s dribbling will test Palace’s compact defensive shape. However, the Eagles’ speed on the break—particularly through Olise and Eze—could expose Shakhtar’s high defensive line. Expect a tight first leg, with both sides wary of giving away an away goal in the return fixture.

Oliver Glasner’s farewell tour: Can he deliver one more trophy?

The narrative surrounding Crystal Palace this season has been dominated by Oliver Glasner’s impending departure. The Austrian manager announced in March that he would leave the club at the end of the season, having already secured his legacy by leading Palace to their first major trophy in last year’s FA Cup. That historic Wembley victory over Manchester United cemented Glasner’s status as a club legend, but he is now chasing an even rarer double: winning both the FA Cup and a European trophy in consecutive seasons.

Glasner’s tactical flexibility has been crucial. In the Conference League, he has rotated his squad effectively, giving minutes to fringe players like Jeffrey Schlupp and Naouirou Ahamada without sacrificing results. The semi-final, however, will demand his strongest XI. With Marc Guéhi and Joachim Andersen forming a formidable center-back pairing, and Daniel Muñoz providing width from right wing-back, Palace have the tools to stifle Shakhtar’s creativity.

Prediction: Crystal Palace will approach the first leg with caution, aiming for a 1-1 or 2-1 scoreline to take back to Selhurst Park. Shakhtar, meanwhile, will feel the pressure of playing in front of a largely neutral Polish crowd. Expect a cagey opening 30 minutes, followed by a burst of intensity from the Eagles.

Shakhtar Donetsk’s European pedigree and the emotional factor

While Crystal Palace are the relative newcomers to European football, Shakhtar Donetsk are seasoned campaigners. Their 2009 Europa League victory under Mircea Lucescu remains a defining moment for Ukrainian football. Since then, they have consistently reached the Champions League group stage, producing talents like Fred, Willian, and Fernandinho. The current squad may lack those household names, but they possess a collective spirit that is hard to quantify.

The emotional weight of this tie cannot be overstated. Shakhtar have not played a competitive match in Donetsk since 2014. Their fans, many displaced by the war, will travel to Krakow in significant numbers, turning the stadium into a sea of orange and black. This home advantage in exile has been a powerful motivator throughout their campaign. In the round of 16, they eliminated Marseille in a penalty shootout after a raucous atmosphere in Krakow.

Key players to watch:

• Heorhiy Sudakov (Shakhtar): The 22-year-old playmaker is the heartbeat of the team. His vision and close control make him a nightmare for defenders. Palace’s midfield will need to double-team him.
• Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace): The England international has been unplayable in recent weeks. His ability to drift inside from the left flank and shoot from distance is a major threat.
• Danylo Sikan (Shakhtar): A powerful striker who thrives on crosses. Palace’s full-backs must be wary of his aerial presence.
• Marc Guéhi (Crystal Palace): The captain’s leadership at the back will be vital. He must organize the defense to deal with Shakhtar’s quick passing triangles.

Predictions and betting odds for Shakhtar Donetsk v Crystal Palace

Bookmakers have installed Crystal Palace as slight favorites to win the first leg, with odds of around 7/5 for an away victory. Shakhtar are priced at 2/1 to win, while a draw is offered at 12/5. The total goals market suggests a low-scoring affair, with under 2.5 goals priced at 4/6.

Expert prediction: I see this being a 1-1 draw. Shakhtar will score first through a set piece or a Sudakov moment of magic, but Palace will respond with a second-half equalizer from Mateta. The tie will be decided in the second leg at Selhurst Park, where Palace’s home crowd will be the difference-maker. However, if Shakhtar can win the first leg, they will have a real chance of reaching the final in Athens.

Strong conclusion: A semi-final that defines legacies

This Shakhtar Donetsk v Crystal Palace semi-final is more than just a game; it is a defining moment for both clubs. For Shakhtar, it is a chance to prove that Ukrainian football remains a force to be reckoned with, despite the war and displacement. For Crystal Palace, it is an opportunity to send Oliver Glasner out in style, adding a European trophy to the FA Cup he already delivered. The first leg in Krakow will be emotional, tactical, and fiercely competitive. Whether you are watching on TNT Sports, Paramount+, or via a live stream, do not miss this clash. The road to the Conference League final runs through Poland, and both teams are ready to fight for their place in history.

Final prediction: Shakhtar Donetsk 1-1 Crystal Palace. The tie remains alive, but Palace’s quality will shine through in the second leg. Expect the Eagles to fly to Athens.

Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.