The second leg of the 2025/26 Europa League second qualifying round between Shakhtar Donetsk (Ukraine) and Besiktas (Turkey) will take place on July 31 at the Miejski Stadium in Krakow, Poland. The first match ended 4-2 in favor of Shakhtar Donetsk. Shakhtar Donetsk vs. Besiktas: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Shakhtar Donetsk
Arda Turan's side triumphed 4-2 over Besiktas in the first leg on their opponent's turf. Notably, the team has scored at least once in 6 of their last 7 Europa League matches. To advance to the next round, the club only needs to avoid losing by more than one goal, as a two-goal defeat would lead to extra time.
- Both teams scored in 4 of the last 5 home matches for the team in the Europa League.
- At least two goals have been scored in 5 of the club's last 7 games in this tournament.
- Shakhtar Donetsk has scored at least twice in 7 of their last 10 home encounters in the Europa League.
Predicted lineup for Shakhtar Donetsk (4-5-1)
Dmytro Riznyk – Valeriy Bondar, Yefim Konoplya, Mykola Matviyenko, Pedro Henrique Azevedo – Alisson Santana, Heorhiy Sudakov, Kevin, Marlon Gomes, Oleh Ocheretko – Eginaldo.
Besiktas
The defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk marked Besiktas's fourth loss in their last five Europa League outings. To progress to the next round, the team must win by at least three goals in regular time. However, in their last 13 away games in this tournament, the club has failed to achieve such a result.
- More than two goals have been scored in 7 of the team's last 9 away matches in the Europa League.
- The club has conceded at least two goals in 7 of their last 9 away games in the Europa League.
- Both teams scored in 5 of Besiktas's last 6 matches in this tournament.
Predicted lineup for Besiktas (4-5-1)
Mert Gunok – Gabriel Paulista, David Jurasek, Felix Uduokhai, Jonas Svensson – Demir Tiknaz, Gedson Fernandes, Milot Rashica, Orkun Kokcu, Rafa Silva – Tammy Abraham.
Referee
Juan Martinez Munuera (Spain)
Matches – 5 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 18;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.6;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 23;
Penalties – 40%.
Shakhtar Donetsk vs. Besiktas: Match Prediction
Shakhtar has performed well as the nominal home team: they have not lost with a handicap (0) in 9 of their last 10 home Europa League matches (6 wins, 3 draws). Also, the Ukrainian side's main weapon is their quick flanks, which could play a key role, as the Turks will need to push forward due to the score difference, leaving ample space for swift counterattacks.
Besiktas rarely wins in the Europa League: in their last 8 away matches in this tournament, they have suffered 6 defeats and only managed one draw. Additionally, the club has not won with a handicap (0) in 6 of their last 8 European away matches (2 draws, 4 losses).
Considering all this and the outcome of the first game in Istanbul, my prediction is: Shakhtar Donetsk with a handicap (0)
* Each team's lineup reflects their starting lineup in their last match in this tournament.
