Ahead of welcoming Shakhtar Donetsk back to the Etihad for our next Champions League clash on Wednesday, November 7, we highlight some key facts about the Ukrainian champions...

It promises to be a great night under the Etihad lights as Pep Guardiola‘s side look to take another big step towards securing a place in the Champions League knockout stages.

And to help get supporters in the mood, here’s some key facts about our Ukrainian opponents:

  • Shakhtar were formed in 1936 and their club nickname is Hirnyky (The Pitmen). The club’s nickname amongst supporters is Kroty (The Moles).
  • The team has played under the following names: Stakhanovets (1936–46), Shakhtyor (Shakhtar) (1946–92), and FC Shakhtar (1992–present).
  • The reigning Ukrainian champions, Shakhtar are the second most successful club in Ukrainian history, having won the Ukrainian league title 11 times. They have also lifted the Ukrainian Cup on 12 occasions, the most recent triumph coming in 2018, and are eight times winners of the Ukrainian Super Cup.
  • Shakhtar also won both the UEFA Cup and the UEFA Super Cup in 2009. They hold the distinction of being the last winners of the UEFA Cup, with the competition subsequently re-branded as the Europa League from 2010 onwards
  • Though their home is at the 52,000 capacity Donbass Arena in Donetsk, which is in the east of the country, due to the conflict in Eastern Ukraine, Shakhtar currently play their home games 200 miles away at the Metalist Stadium in Kharkiv.  
  • To date, Shakhtar’s biggest win away from home in the Champions League was a 7-0 triumph at BATE Borisov in 2014. Likewise, the Club’s heaviest defeat away from home was a 7-0 loss at the hands of Bayern Munich in 2015.
  • Portuguese coach Paulo Fonseca has been in charge of Shakhtar since May 2016. He guided the Club to the national championship in his first two seasons, also winning the double in 2016–17 – and is regarded as one of the most talented young coaches currently operating in European fotball.
  • City midfielder Fernandinho was a Shakhtar player between 2005 and 13 and scored 31 goals in 183 league outings. During his time at Shakhtar, Fernandinho was named the Ukraine’s player of the year in 2007/8 and won six league titles, four Ukrainian Cups and the 2009 UEFA Cup whilst with the Club.
  • Shakhtar and City were also paired together in the 2017/18 Champions’ League group stages with City securing a 2-0 win over the Ukrainian champions at the Etihad the last time we met in Manchester back in September 2017. Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling were both on the score-sheet that evening.
  • Tickets are on sale now for Manchester City v Shakhtar Donetsk on Wed 7 Nov. From £17.50 Adults and £5 U18s. Book your seats.