Shakhtar Donetsk has secured a lucrative direct entry into the Champions League group stage, bypassing three qualifying rounds, thanks to a combination of its own league triumph and favorable outcomes in other European title races. The Ukrainian champions will now join the elite 36-team main phase in September, guaranteeing at least €35 million ($41 million) in UEFA prize money—a vital financial boost for a club that has faced severe revenue losses due to the ongoing Russian war in Ukraine, now in its fifth year, and has been exiled from Donetsk since 2014 due to Russian-backed conflict.
How Shakhtar Clinched the Spot
Shakhtar's path to direct entry required three conditions: winning the Ukrainian Premier League, Olympiakos and Rangers failing to win their domestic titles, and the Champions League winner already being qualified for next season. All three pieces fell into place on Sunday. In Greece, Olympiakos drew while AEK Athens won the title. In Scotland, Rangers lost to Celtic, ending their title hopes. Shakhtar sealed its 16th league title with a 4-0 win at Poltava. However, due to Ukraine's current UEFA ranking of 23rd, a league title no longer guarantees direct Champions League entry as it did before the war. The back-door entry came when the Champions League winner (likely Paris Saint-Germain or Arsenal, already qualified) vacates a spot, which is reallocated to the highest-ranked national champion in qualifying rounds. With Shakhtar ranked 45th (56.25 points, boosted by reaching the Conference League semifinals) and higher-ranked Olympiakos (36th) and Rangers (38th) failing to win their leagues, Shakhtar claimed the spot.
Shakhtar CEO Sergei Palkin told the Associated Press, “I think we deserve to be there in the Champions League. We are sending a message that our club continues to represent Ukrainian football with dignity.” He added that the success brings “moments of pride” for the Ukrainian people.
Brazilian Core and New Coach
Shakhtar’s historical success has been built on Brazilian talent, and the current squad includes 12 Brazilians, with only Marlon and Pedrinho over 23. After FIFA eased contract rules in 2022, many left, but the club has rebuilt. Palkin emphasized the family environment for Brazilian players, saying, “They will be in their environment, with their language and culture.” The team is coached by 39-year-old Arda Turan, a former Galatasaray, Atletico Madrid, and Barcelona midfielder, who joined a year ago to revive a team that finished third in the league. Palkin praised Turan as a motivator with the club’s DNA.
Challenges of War and Displacement
Shakhtar plays domestic home games in Lviv and UEFA matches in Krakow, Poland, due to the war. Air raid alerts are common, and crowds are limited for security reasons. Palkin noted, “For us it is normal life.” The club has not yet decided where to play its four Champions League home games, with previous ones held in Germany. “Our strategy is to increase the geography of our games. Ten million people left Ukraine and our fans are everywhere,” Palkin said. Shakhtar hopes to one day return to the Donbas Arena, which hosted 2012 European Championship games but has been neglected during Russian occupation.
