The first leg of the Europa League 2025/26 third qualifying round between Panathinaikos (Greece) and Shakhtar Donetsk (Ukraine) will take place on August 7 at the Olympic Stadium in Athens. Panathinaikos vs. Shakhtar Donetsk: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Panathinaikos
Rui Vitoria's side began their campaign in the second round of the Champions League qualifiers but were eliminated at the first hurdle. The team couldn't handle Rangers, losing 0-2 away and drawing 1-1 at home. Last season, Panathinaikos reached the third qualifying round of the Europa League but lost to Ajax over two legs, subsequently entering the Conference League, where they made it to the round of 16.
- The club has not won in regular time in 8 of their last 12 Europa League matches (1 draw and 7 losses).
- Panathinaikos' uncompromising home streak in this competition comprises 12 games (5 wins and 7 losses in regular time).
- The Greeks have not scored more than one goal in 90 minutes in 7 of their last 10 home matches in this tournament.
Predicted lineup for Panathinaikos (4-3-3)
Bartlomiej Dragowski – Ahmed Touba, Erik Palmer-Brown, Giannis Kotsiras, Georgios Kyriakopoulos – Nemanja Maksimovic, Facundo Pellistri, Anastasios Bakasetas – Fotis Ioannidis, Pedro Chirivella, Filip Duricic.
Shakhtar Donetsk
The Miners have confidently navigated two stages of the Europa League qualifiers. First, Arda Turan's side dispatched Ilves (6-0 and 0-0), then defeated Besiktas in both legs (4-2 and 2-0). Notably, Shakhtar has scored 12 goals this European season, all netted by their Brazilian contingent. The last time the team participated in the qualifiers for this competition was in 2016 (only in the playoff stage), where they confidently advanced to the group stage.
- The Donetsk side has not won in regular time in 8 of their last 12 Europa League games (3 draws and 5 losses).
- Shakhtar has not scored more than one goal in regular time in 5 of their last 6 away matches in this competition.
- At least three goals have been scored in 8 of the last 11 away matches played by the Ukrainians in this tournament.
Predicted lineup for Shakhtar Donetsk (4-3-3)
Dmytro Riznyk – Irakli Azarovi, Alaa Ghram, Mykola Matvienko, Giorgi Gocholeishvili – Georgiy Sudakov, Oleh Ocheretko, Artem Bondarenko – Eginaldo, Lassina Traore, Alisson Santana.
Referee
Erik Lambrechts (Belgium)
Matches – 8 (International matches, 2024/25–2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 26;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.3;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 22;
Penalties – 13%.
Panathinaikos vs. Shakhtar Donetsk: Match Prediction
The Greeks will find it challenging against this opponent, even at home. Shakhtar has assembled a very strong team, capable of competing in the Champions League. The Ukrainian club breezed through the previous two qualifying rounds, averaging three goals per match. Their work in the transfer market, particularly in Brazil, is paying off. Therefore, I believe Shakhtar will not lose in Greece.
Panathinaikos often falters even on their home turf. In their last 10 home Europa League matches, the club has suffered 7 defeats. Moreover, the team rarely scores more than one goal at home in this competition. The Greeks have conceded in 8 of their last 10 home Europa League games. The Brazilian players of Shakhtar are likely to exploit this defense. Hence, my prediction is – Shakhtar Donetsk with a handicap (0)
* The starting lineup for each team is based on their last match.
