Besiktas vs Shakhtar Donetsk Preview, prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | UEFA Europa League 2025-26 Qualifiers 2nd round 1st Leg

The previous confrontation between the two teams ended in favour of Shakhtar Donetsk.

Besiktas are ready to battle Shakhtar Donetsk in the second round of the 2025-26 UEFA Europa League qualifiers. The interesting contest between the two sides will take place at the Besiktas Stadium.

Besiktas will be at home in the first leg, and they will be keen on using it to their advantage here. The Ole Gunnar Solskjær-led side have been a part of numerous friendly games, and it is now time for a real test for them. It will be interesting to see if they will outplay their upcoming opponents, which is not going to be an easy task.

Shakhtar Donetsk are coming in after defeating FC Ilves in their round one fixture of the UEFA Europa League qualifiers. They came up with a dominating performance in the first leg, but their second leg ended in a goalless draw. They will surely put up a strong fight in their next game.

Kick-off:

• Location: Istanbul, Turkey
• Stadium: Besiktas, Stadium
• Date: Thursday, July 24
• Kick-off Time: 23:30 IST/ 18:00 GMT/ 14:00 ET/ 11:00 PT
• Referee: Georgi Kabakov
• VAR: In use

Form:

Besiktas: L-W-D-L-L

Shakhtar Donetsk: D-W-D-W-D

Players to Watch

Rafa Silva (Besiktas)

Rafa Silva will have an important role to play in the attacking front for Besiktas. The 32-year-old Portuguese is an experienced player and can play multiple positions on the field. From controlling the midfield to scoring goals, Rafa is going to cause issues for the opponent’s defence.

Alisson Santana (Shakhtar Donetsk)

Alisson Santana already has a brace to his name in the Europa League qualifying matches and is hence going to play a crucial part in the attacking front. Leading the attack from the right, he will have several chances of playing the ball to his fellow teammates, and Santana will be looking to step up here.

Match Facts

• Shakhtar Donetsk are unbeaten in their last nine matches.
• Besiktas are on a three-match winless run.
• This will be the overall fifth meeting between these clubs.

Besiktas vs Shakhtar Donetsk: Betting Tips and Odds

• Shakhtar Donetsk to win
• Alisson Santana to score
• Goals under 3.5

Injury and Team News

Besiktas will be without the services of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as he is injured.

Shakhtar Donetsk are ready with all their players fit and raring to be in action.

Head-to-Head

Total matches: 4

Besiktas won: 1

Shakhtar Donetsk won: 2

Draws: 1

Predicted Lineups

Besiktas predicted lineup (4-3-3)

Destanoglu (GK); Sanuc, Uysal, Uzunhan, Topcu; Ricardo, Hadziahmetovic, Mario; Arroyo, Rafa, Muci

Shakhtar Donetsk predicted lineup (4-1-4-1)

Riznyk (GK); Konoplia, Bondar, Matviyenko, Pedrinho; Gomes; Santana, Bondarenko, Sudakov, Kevin; Elias

Match Prediction

This will be an interesting contest between the two teams, despite only being the first leg. Shakhtar Donetsk are likely to come out on top to secure a win against Besiktas in the UEFA Europa League qualifiers second round 1st leg fixture.

Prediction: Besiktas 1-2 Shakhtar Donetsk

Telecast Details

TBD

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