Aberdeen have drawn both previous meetings with Ukrainian clubs, ousting Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk on away games in 2007 after it ended 1-1 on aggregate.
All three of Shakhtar Donetsk's previous visits to Scotland have seen them face Celtic, losing their first two trips to Celtic Park, before a 1-1 draw in Glasgow three years ago.
Aberdeen vs Shakhtar Donetsk preview
Just 131 days ago, Aberdeen beat Celtic on penalties in the Scottish Cup Final, thereby lifting the trophy for the first time in 35 years. Now though, the Dons have hit rock bottom, in desperate need of something to cheer. On Saturday evening, the Reds were beaten once again, this time defeated 2-0 by Motherwell at Fir Park, both goals coming in stoppage time. This leaves Aberdeen bottom of the Scottish Premiership, having lost five of six fixtures so far, their only point coming from a goalless draw against Livingston, still yet to even score a league goal.
This though is merely a continuation of a trend. Aberdeen started last season by collecting 31 points from the first 33 available, but then won only five of their subsequent 27 fixtures, losing 15, so the pressure is really mounting on Jimmy Thelin, despite delivering Scottish Cup glory.
In Europe, the Dons were defeated in August's Europa League play-offs. They fought back from 2-0 down to hold Steaua București to a 2-2 draw at Pittodrie, but were then demolished 3-0 at Arena Națională a week later, albeit Alexander Jensen's very controversial red card on the cusp of half time completely scuppered their chances. When last we saw them in the group stages two seasons ago, Aberdeen won only once, beating Eintracht Frankfurt on the final matchday in a dead-rubber, and optimism that they'll do any better this time round is at an all-time low.
As for Shakhtar Donetsk, this is the 22nd consecutive season they've featured in a UEFA group stage, 18 of these coming in the Champions League, including each of the last eight. However, this year, they began in the Europa League first qualifying round, commencing their campaign on 10 July, enjoying victories over Ilves and then Beşiktaş, notably winning 4-2 in İstanbul, before losing a penalty shootout against Panathinaikos. Nevertheless, they booked their league phase place with an extra time victory over Servette, thanks to Kauã Elias' dramatic winner at Stade de Genève.
Of course, given the ongoing Russian invasion, Ukrainian football is not in ideal shape right now, but Arda Turan's team are top of their domestic league, having won five of seven matches so far, following Sunday's convincing 4-0 victory over Rukh Vynnyky. As a result, the Miners will play all their home matches in Kraków but, when considering their European pedigree, they have to fancy their chances of making a deep run. First and foremost, it would be a major surprise if Shakhtar Donetsk did not beat Aberdeen at Pittodrie on Thursday.
Aberdeen vs Shakhtar Donetsk head-to-head record
These two clubs have never previously met.
Aberdeen team news
Alexander Jensen's red card in Romania in the play-off round means he is suspended.
Meantime, as Jimmy Thelin searches for a winning formulae, Alfie Dorrington could return to defence, while supporters would like to see Leighton Clarkson return to midfield.
In attack, new signing Kusini Yengi's only goal so far has come against Morton in the League Cup, so Kevin Nisbet will lead the line, having netted 14 times last season, yet to get off the mark this time round.
Aberdeen predicted lineup vs Shakhtar Donetsk: (3-4-3): Mitov; Milne, Dorrington, Tobers; Devlin, Shinnie, Palaversa, Gyamfi; Karlsson, Aouchiche, Nisbet.
Aberdeen player to watch vs Shakhtar Donetsk
Captain Graeme Shinnie has made 26 appearances in UEFA competition for Aberdeen, his solitary goal coming against Apollon Limassol in 2017, but can he lead them to an historic victory here?
Shakhtar Donetsk team news
Arda Turan's team lost their star attacker Kevin to Fulham on transfer deadline day, while fellow attackers Eguinaldo, Alisson and Lassina Traoré all remain sidelined.
Ukrainian duo Valeriy Bondar and Mykola Matviyenko form a solid centre-back pairing, while there is still a strong Brazilian flavour to this team, with Pedro Henrique, Marlon Gomes, Isaque and Pedrinho among 12 Brazilians in this squad.
Shakhtar Donetsk predicted lineup vs Aberdeen: (4-3-3): Riznyk; Konoplya, Bondar, Matviyenko, Pedro Henrique; Marlon Gomes, Kryskiv, Isaque; Pedrinho, Bondarenko, Kauã Elias.
Shakhtar Donetsk player to watch vs Aberdeen
Kauã Elias is Shakhtar Donetsk's joint-top scorer this season, netting six times since arriving arriving from Fluminense in the summer, on target during qualifiers against Ilves, Beşiktaş and Servette, so will he fire them to victory on the opening night of the league phase?
Aberdeen vs Shakhtar Donetsk prediction
As outlined throughout, we're forecasting a very comprehensive away win, given that Shakhtar Donetsk appear to b one of the strongest sides in the competition, while Aberdeen are struggling to score a goal let alone beat anyone at this moment in time: Aberdeen 0-2 Shakhtar Donetsk.
Aberdeen vs Shakhtar Donetsk FAQs - UEFA Conference League
How to watch Aberdeen vs Shakhtar Donetsk in the Conference League on TV channel?
Aberdeen vs Shakhtar Donetsk in the Conference League will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: TNT Sports 4
- USA: Paramount+
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Aberdeen vs Shakhtar Donetsk in the Conference League on live streaming?
Aberdeen vs Shakhtar Donetsk in the Conference League will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: Discovery+
- USA: Paramount+
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Aberdeen vs Shakhtar Donetsk in the Conference League?
Aberdeen vs Shakhtar Donetsk takes place on Thursday 2 October 2025, with kick off at 20:00 (BST), 15:00 (EDT) & 12:00 (PDT).