SC Poltava U21 2-3 FC Shakhtar Donetsk U21
Ukrainian Youth Team Championship – 9 May 2026

Shakhtar Donetsk U21 snatched a dramatic 3-2 victory away to SC Poltava U21 in a thrilling Ukrainian Youth Team Championship encounter, maintaining their push for a top-two finish. Despite leading twice, Poltava were undone by a second‑half rally from the visitors, who struck twice in the final 20 minutes to turn the match on its head.

Match Overview

The contest at the Poltava Training Centre started at a furious pace. The home side took an early lead through a well‑worked corner routine, but Shakhtar’s U21s responded quickly with an equaliser that showcased their clinical finishing. Poltava regained the advantage just before half‑time, leaving the score at 2-1 at the break.

After the restart, Shakhtar’s passing game began to dominate the midfield. A pinpoint cross from the right flank was met by a towering header to level the scores in the 72nd minute. The momentum shifted decisively, and with ten minutes remaining, a swift counter‑attack ended with a composed finish inside the far post to give Shakhtar the lead. Poltava pressed hard for an equaliser but could not find a way past the visitors’ resolute defence.

Standout Performers

• Shakhtar’s No. 9 – Scored a brace and was a constant threat in the air.
• Poltava’s midfield pivot – Orchestrated the home side’s best phases of play, completing over 90% of his passes.
• Shakhtar’s left‑back – Provided two assists, overlapping effectively throughout the second half.

Table Implications

The win lifts Shakhtar Donetsk U21 to third in the league table, just one point behind the leaders with three matches left. Poltava, meanwhile, remain in mid‑table, but the defeat dents hopes of a late surge into the top six. With the title race tightening, every point is becoming critical in the Ukrainian Youth Team Championship.