Shakhtar Donetsk once again underlined their dominance in Ukrainian football, securing a record-extending 16th Ukrainian Premier League title with an emphatic victory over Poltava. The triumph marks the club’s seventh championship in the last decade, further cementing the “Miners” as the defining force of the modern UPL era.

Despite entering the match as clear underdogs, Poltava made a fearless start and immediately surprised the champions-elect with intense high pressing. Just eight seconds after kick-off, Sad found space for an early effort, forcing an important save from Dmytro Riznyk.

For the opening ten minutes, the statistics painted an unexpected picture. Poltava led the shot count 4-0, including the only effort on target during that spell. But once Shakhtar Donetsk settled into rhythm, the momentum shifted completely.

As the first half progressed, the visitors gradually tightened their grip on the contest, and it began to feel inevitable that the breakthrough would arrive sooner rather than later. Deep into first-half stoppage time, Lassina Traore rose highest from a corner on the left flank and expertly nodded the ball into the path of Dmytro Kryskiv, who calmly finished to make it 1-0.

The second half became a showcase of Shakhtar Donetsk’s attacking quality. Lassina Traore was particularly outstanding, tormenting the Poltava defence with his movement, strength and creativity.

One of the striker’s dangerous deliveries was converted by Eguinaldo in the 55th minute, before the Brazilian added his second goal just six minutes later after a clever assist from Artem Bondarenko.

With confidence flowing, Shakhtar Donetsk continued to attack relentlessly even after the result was beyond doubt. Fittingly, Lassina Traore put the finishing touch on a commanding performance by adding a goal of his own late in the match, highlighting the striker’s immense contribution during the decisive stages of the season.

The victory officially crowns Shakhtar Donetsk as champions of Ukraine once again, while also moving the club to the brink of securing a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League league phase.

2025-26, Ukraine - Premier League

SC Poltava - Shakhtar 0:4 (0:1)
Goals: Kryskiv, 45 (0:1); Isaque, 55 (0:2); Isaque, 61 (0:3); Traoré Las., 67 (0:4)

SC Poltava: Minchev; Pidlepych; Savenkov; Ukhan; Veremiienko (Kotsyumaka, 44); Sad V. (Marusych, 64); Danylenko V. (Pyatov Ol-r, 80); Doroshenko Ar. (Plakhtyr, 64); Odariuk (Halenkov, 64); Sukhoruchko; Vivdych
Substitution: Kotsyumaka (from 44); Marusych (from 64); Plakhtyr (from 64); Halenkov (from 64); Pyatov Ol-r (from 80)
Bench: Yermolov; Kononov; Buzhyn; Misyura; Kobzar
Yellow Cards: Sukhoruchko 19

Shakhtar: Riznyk D.; Pedrinho A. (Ghram, 69); Matviyenko; Bondar V.; Azarov I.; Kryskiv (Nazaryna, 76); Bondarenko A-m (Pedrinho, 76); Prosper (Luca Meirelles, 69); Lucas Ferreira; Isaque; Traoré Las. (Ocheretko, 83)
Substitution: Ghram (from 69); Luca Meirelles (from 69); Nazaryna (from 76); Pedrinho (from 76); Ocheretko (from 83)
Bench: Fesiun; Tsukanov; Eguinaldo; Newerton; Marlon Gomes; Shved M.; Kauã Elias
Yellow Cards: Isaque 87