Shakhtar Donetsk is approaching a significant milestone as they prepare to host Legia Warsaw in the UEFA Conference League on October 23. This match will mark Shakhtar’s 300th official European competition game. The match will kick off at 18:45 local time at Stadion Miejski im. Henryka Reymana in Kraków, Poland.
Shakhtar’s Journey in European Competitions
The Ukrainian club has a rich history in European football. Shakhtar played their inaugural European match on September 15, 1976. Under the guidance of coach Volodymyr Salkov, the team triumphed over Dynamo Berlin in the UEFA Cup Round of 64, winning 3-0. Interestingly, the first goal for Shakhtar in international competition was netted by Volodymyr Rohovskyi.
UEFA Champions League Debut
In the 2000/01 season, Shakhtar made a notable entry into the UEFA Champions League group stage. Over the years, the Miners have made 19 appearances in this elite competition. Their most remarkable achievement came in 2009 when they secured the UEFA Cup, marking a historic milestone as the first European trophy for Ukrainian football since gaining independence.
Shakhtar’s Record in European Matches
As of their 300th match, Shakhtar Donetsk has played a total of 299 games, showcasing a competitive record:
- Wins: 129
- Draws: 64
- Losses: 106
- Goals Scored: 453
- Goals Conceded: 429
The breakdown of matches played across different competitions is as follows:
| Competition | Matches Played |
|---|---|
| Champions League | 166 |
| UEFA Cup / Europa League | 107 |
| Cup Winners’ Cup | 18 |
| Intertoto Cup | 4 |
| UEFA Conference League | 3 |
| UEFA Super Cup | 1 |
All-Time Top Scorer
Brazilian forward Luiz Adriano holds the record as Shakhtar’s all-time leading scorer in European competitions, with an impressive tally of 32 goals. As fans eagerly await the upcoming match, the legacy of Shakhtar in European football continues to grow.
Tickets for the milestone event are still available for purchase, offering fans a chance to witness history in the making.
