Brede Hangeland's first half header guaranteed Fulham's passage into the last 16 of the Europa League at the expense of last season's Uefa Cup winners.But the gloss was taken off Fulham's triumph by the last minute dismissal of Danny Murphy for a petulant kick that is likely to rule the Cottagers' skipper out for his side's next three games in the competition.
Hangeland's 33rd minute header from Damien Duff's free kick ended a spell of early home pressure.
Jadson's 69th minute equaliser ensured a nervous ending to game for the visitors but Roy Hodgson's side held on to progress.
REACTION:
Fulham's memorable season reached a new high in the Ukraine tonight as Hodgson masterminded the passage to the last 16 and the downfall of last season's UEFA Cup winners.
"It has been a wonderful night for the club," said the Fulham manager. "Shakhtar showed what a good team they are. Their ability to pass and keep the ball is as good as I've seen in my 35-year career.
"I don't like to compare nights, but it's yet another marvellous night along the way and great credit to the team. I really enjoyed the night and the performance but I still hope there'll be some more good nights to come."
The dismissal of Danny Murphy and an Achilles injury to Bobby Zamora, which is likely to keep the England candidate out of Fulham's domestic game this weekend, were the only negatives on the evening for the London club.
"The only thing that marred the evening was the sending-off of Murphy, who had a very good game and will now miss the next game," said Hodgson, who also apologised for his touchline rant after a foul by Douglas on Duff.
"I thought it was a bad foul on Damien Duff and I was angry he fouled him in that way, but if ever you let your emotions get the better of you it's not good and inexcusable and I made my excuses to the referee.
"Sometimes things happen to make the red mist fall, but I'm thankful no further damage has been done."
QUOTABLE:
"I'll wait until I retire to discuss which were the great moments and which were the lesser moments."
Roy Hodgson resists the temptation to boast about his latest success ... for now.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
Fulham knew exactly what to expect long before they boarded the flight to Ukraine. Facing a quality team packed with exciting attacking talents in front of a partisan home crowd, an early onslaught was always to be expected. Hodgson prides himself on doing his homework, however, and Fulham kept at arm's length while keeper Mark Schwarzer dealt with anything that got through. Hangeland's goal was perfectly timed and gave the visitors confidence and for a brief spell, Fulham were in control. Jadson's goal revived home hopes but it Hodgson's side defended well and clear chances were limited.
WHAT IT MEANS:
They may not be the most fashionable side in Europe but Fulham are undeniably contenders for this competition. The way in which they handled the attacking threat of one of the continent's more improved sides spoke volumes about Fulham's organisation and discipline while Hodgson's team demonstrated in both legs they are capable of conjuring a goal out of nothing. Whether Fulham can challenge for both FA Cup and Europa League while continuing to press for a top half finish in the Premier League is another matter altogether. Whatever the answer, it's a problem Hodgson and his players will enjoy trying to resolve.
SHAKHTAR DONETSK 1 (Jadson 69) FULHAM 1 (Hangeland 33)
PLAYER MARKING:
Shakhtar Donetsk (4-5-1): Pyatov 6; Srna 7, Kucher 6, Rakitskiy 7, Rat 7; Hubschman 6 (Kravchenko 46, 6), Fernandinho 7, Ilsinho 8, Jadson 6, Willian 7 (Douglas Costa 54, 7); Luiz Adriano 6.
Subs not used: Tetenko, Lewandowski, Ischenko, Gai, Gladkyy
Fulham (4-4-1-1): Schwarzer 9; Baird 7, Hangeland 8, Hughes 8, Kelly 7; Duff 7, Murphy 5, Etuhu 6, Davies 7 (Riise 89, 6); Gera 7, Zamora 6 (Elm 72, 6).
Subs not used: Zuberbuhler, Smalling, Marsh-Brown, Greening, Nevland.
ATTENDANCE: 47,509
NEXT UP:
- Fulham v Sunderland (Away), Premier League 11/02, 1500 GMT
MAN OF THE MATCH:
Mark Schwarzer (Fulham) - the keeper provided a reassuring pressure behind the defence and his saves during the opening exchanges kept his side in the game when Shakhtar threatened to take control
