Match Report: Slaven Belupo 2-2 FC Shakhtar Donetsk
International Club Friendly | 22 July 2026

Match Overview

In a high‑tempo friendly played on 22 July 2026, Croatian top‑flight side Slaven Belupo held Ukrainian giants FC Shakhtar Donetsk to a 2‑2 draw. The match, staged as part of Shakhtar’s summer preparation, offered an entertaining blend of early dominance from the Ukrainians and a spirited comeback from the hosts.

First Half: Shakhtar’s Early Control

Shakhtar Donetsk began with typical fluidity, dominating possession and pressing high. Their first goal came in the 12th minute when winger Mykhailo Mudryk cut inside and unleashed a low drive into the far corner. Slaven Belupo struggled to cope with the visitors’ movement, and Shakhtar doubled their lead just before half‑time: a swift passing move ended with striker Lassina Traoré heading home from a pinpoint cross.

Second Half: Slaven Belupo’s Fightback

The Croatian side reorganised at the break and came out with greater purpose. They pulled one back in the 58th minute through a well‑struck free‑kick from midfielder Bruno Zdunić, which deflected off the wall and wrong‑footed the Shakhtar keeper. The momentum shifted completely, and with ten minutes remaining, Slaven Belupo levelled the score: substitute Marko Kolar latched onto a loose ball inside the box and smashed it into the roof of the net.

Tactical Observations

• Shakhtar Donetsk showed sharp combinations in the first hour but faded physically in the final third, a common feature of early pre‑season fixtures.
• Slaven Belupo used their home advantage effectively, growing in confidence after the first goal and pressing higher in the second half.
• Both coaches made multiple substitutions to test squad depth, with the draw reflecting a fair outcome for the run‑out.

Standout Performers

For Shakhtar, Mykhailo Mudryk was a constant threat in the first half, while Lassina Traoré’s goal highlighted his aerial prowess. Slaven Belupo’s Bruno Zdunić was instrumental in the comeback, and Marko Kolar provided the finishing touch that earned his side a deserved draw.

Pre‑Season Significance

Shakhtar Donetsk will take positives from their first‑half display but will want to improve game management when protecting a lead. For Slaven Belupo, the result demonstrates resilience and fitness ahead of the new Croatian First League season. Both sides can consider this fixture a solid building block in their pre‑season schedules.