Shakhtar crowned champions of Ukraine as Arda Turan wins title in first season

Updated
Shakhtar Donetsk were crowned champions of the Ukrainian Premier League on Sunday
Shakhtar Donetsk were crowned champions of the Ukrainian Premier League on SundayShakhtar Donetsk

Shakhtar Donetsk were crowned champions of the Ukrainian Premier League on Sunday after a 4-0 away win over SC Poltava gave them an unassailable 11-point lead at the top of the table with three rounds to play.

The triumph marks Shakhtar Donetsk’s 16th Ukrainian title, consolidating the club’s position as the second most successful side in the history of Ukrainian football, just one league title behind record holders FC Dynamo Kyiv (17 titles).

With the league secured, Shakhtar are set to return to the UEFA Champions League, and there is a strong possibility the club will qualify directly for the group stage, avoiding the need to play the qualifying rounds. 

It's a dream first season for head coach Arda Turan, with the former Atletico Madrid and Barcelona player establishing himself as one of Europe's most exciting up-and-coming coaches by winning the second league title of his managerial career, having previously led Eyupspor to glory in Turkey's second division.

Read more: Turan on coaching Shakhtar, playing with Messi & more!

"I congratulate our players, head coach Arda Turan, and our devoted fans on winning the Ukrainian championship," said Sergey Palkin, Shakhtar’s CEO, of the achievement. 

"It has been a long and demanding season for all of us, and we are proud to see the golden shine of the medals reflected in Shakhtar’s orange-and-black colours.

"This title is the reward for hard work, character, unity, and belief. I would like to thank everyone who stood by the club throughout the season, club President Rinat Akhmetov, the team, the staff, and our supporters around the world," he added.

Click here to read an interview with Shakhtar CEO Palkin

Shakhtar's season began with some significant outgoing transfers, with two key players moving to pastures new. Kevin went to Fulham in the Premier League, while Georgiy Sudakov was sold to Benfica in Portugal.

Brazilian players once again played a central role for the club during the league campaign; during the season, 12 featured for Shakhtar in domestic and European competitions.

The club impressed in the UEFA Conference League, finishing sixth in the league phase, before making a run all the way to the semi-finals, where they were knocked out by Crystal Palace (5-2 on aggregate).

In their domestic league, they've lost just one match and have scored comfortably more goals than any other club in what has been a dominant campaign.

Catch up on Shakhtar's title-winning match here.

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