Pedrinhos stunning volley ignites Shakhtars late rally leaving AZ with mountain to climb

Shakhtar under Arda Turan made their return to a European quarter-final since 2020, when the Ukrainian outfit suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat to Inter in the UEFA Europa League. AZ meanwhile advanced to the UEFA Conference League last eight for just the second time in three seasons, following their penalty shoot-out win over Anderlecht last year.

The match was disrupted by a concerning injury to Shakhtar midfielder Isaque, who collapsed following a clumsy collision with AZ defender Seiya Maikuma and appeared to lose consciousness. He received on-pitch medical attention, resumed play briefly for around ten minutes, then was substituted permanently.

Fans at the Synerise Arena in Krakow, Poland, endured a patient first half with the opening shot on target arriving after 44 minutes from Shakhtars Alisson, which veteran keeper Jeroen Zoet comfortably gathered.

The second period brought more energy as both teams created opportunities involving Weslley Patati and Kauã Elias, though nothing seriously tested the goalkeepers to break the stalemate.

With goals appearing improbable, Shakhtar finally struck in the 72nd minute thanks to a brilliant effort from Pedrinho, who controlled a bouncing ball before unleashing a superb strike that clipped the bar on its way into the top corner.

AZ squandered several openings due to imprecise final balls, as Mexx Meerdink narrowly failed to connect with a delivery, a fluid passing sequence concluded with a vital block from Shakhtar defender Dmytro Rinzyk after he seemed exposed, and Sven Mijnans effort was parried away.

AZs inability to convert their opportunities proved costly when a corner routine left a rebound ideal for Alisson, who struck cleanly to find the bottom corner.

Shakhtars momentum built into a commanding advantage with Alisson capping a slick counter-attack in the 84th minute to seal victory.

The Ukrainian sides strong finish gives them a significant 3-0 buffer heading into the second leg in Alkmaar, where Arda Turans team aim to protect their lead.