UECL: Shakhtar Donetsk Edges Past Shamrock Rovers 2-1 in Dublin

Shakhtar Donetsk wins 2-1 vs Shamrock Rovers

Arda Turan's Shakhtar Donetsk side had another shaky performance, but they managed to grind out a 2-1 win over Shamrock Rovers in Dublin, extending their winning streak to 5 games.

Shakhtar battle past Shamrock Rovers in Dublin to extend winning run...

Arda Turan’s Shakhtar Donetsk side flattered to deceive and not for the first time in this year’s UEFA Conference League (UCL), but made it five wins in a row across all competitions with a 2-1 victory over Shamrock Rovers in Dublin.

Without a win so far in the Conference League main phase this season, Rovers were desperate to leave their mark on the visiting Ukrainian side, but they almost found themselves behind within 60 seconds of kick-off.

The ball fell to Lucas Ferreira inside the penalty area, but his effort was blocked, while just minutes later, the Brazilian would again come close, with a sprawling defender once again rescuing the Irish hosts.

The recently crowned League of Ireland champions would eventually fall behind midway through the first half when Kaua Elias peeled off his marker inside the area and swept home Vinicius Tobias’ cutback.

Shakhtar created chances through Kryskiv and Isaque, but McGinty was solid for Rovers, keeping the score 1-0 at half time. The second half started with Rovers pushing hard, and they thought they'd won a penalty when Grant was brought down by Fesiun.

It was a half shout at best, but Stephen Bradley’s side did create their best opportunity from the resulting corner, with Matthew Healy sending a stinging volley towards the top left corner, only for Fesiun to add to the home crowd’s frustrations with an outstretched save. 

🟠 Big win for Shakhtar 👏#UECL | @FCShakhtar_eng pic.twitter.com/yvuLaTD3Hm

— UEFA Conference League (@Conf_League) November 27, 2025

The corner didn't yield anything, but Fesiun made a great save from Healy's volley. Shakhtar's second goal was a lucky break - Nazaryna's free-kick took a deflection and beat McGinty.

It looked as if it would squash any hopes of a comeback, but Rovers set up a grandstand finish when Connor Malley dinked over the head of Fesiun to reduce the arrears to one goal.

It proved too little too late, though, with the Hoops now in need of a miracle across their final two Conference League matches to secure progression into the knockouts.

Despite their underwhelming performances, Shakhtar are essentially confirmed a spot in the knockouts, with Turan’s men now eyeing up a spot in the coveted top eight.