Levi Rothermund
A fixture rich with European pedigree, Besiktas vs Shakhtar Donetsk sets the stage for an enticing UEFA Europa League Second Qualifying Round clash in Istanbul. With mid-summer conditioning, both teams are in the midst of redefining their seasons—Shakhtar aiming to assert their continental consistency, and Besiktas seeking resurgence under new leadership. What makes this battle particularly interesting is the tactical tension: Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s Besiktas hosts Arda Turan’s upstart Shakhtar, two sides with strategic blueprints more sophisticated than recent results let on. The Vodafone Park crowd is poised—a city ready to echo with either resurgence or surprise.
As for players to watch, Shakhtar’s Alisson Santana Lopes da Fonseca is in electric form, tallying 2 goals and 2 assists in his last two appearances, adding a dynamic edge to their forward line that Besiktas’ often inconsistent defense will be wary of. For Besiktas, up-and-coming forward Semih Kilicsoy, though not prolific recently, has consistently provided flair and drive, his direct runs capable of unlocking tight matches—a trait Solskjær will surely look to harness.
Hot stat: Shakhtar Donetsk netted 11 goals in their last three wins, topping it off with a 5-0 and 6-0 rout that highlights their lethal conversion when given space—Besiktas will need to keep it compact at the back.
| 🏆 Tournament: | UEFA Europa League 2025/26 (Second Qualifying Round) |
| 🏟 Venue: | Vodafone Park, Istanbul |
| 🗓️ Date: | 24 July 2025 |
| ⏰ Time: | 21:00 CEST |
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Besiktas vs Shakhtar Donetsk prediction
The most value lies in supporting Shakhtar Donetsk on the “Draw No Bet” market. While Besiktas have the prestige of home advantage and a capable manager in Solskjær, their recent form—one win in four and a defense prone to lapses—raises questions. By contrast, Shakhtar travel well and have lost only once in their last six, netting a statement 5-0 and 6-0 in their two most recent victories. Shakhtar’s proactive high pressing and clinical finishing could tilt a potentially tight contest, especially with Besiktas still searching for offensive cohesion.
Team discipline and style of play could be decisive. Besiktas, using a 3-4-3, focus on wide build-up but have recently struggled with controlling midfield and avoiding unnecessary fouls. Their bookings have been modest, but lapses in positional play have cost them dearly. Shakhtar’s 4-2-3-1 encourages fluent ball circulation and possession retention, complemented by an aggressive attack—evidenced by their high shot volume (39 in their last five matches) and frequent corners. Fouls remain low for both, but the sheer frequency of Shakhtar’s attacks could expose any organizational flaws in Besiktas’ back line.
| 🔥Hot Tip: | Shakhtar Donetsk Draw No Bet |
| ⚽Total Goals: | Over 2.5 |
| 💥Both Teams To Score: | Yes |
| 🎯Total Corners: | Over 8.5 |
Team Analysis
Besiktas come into this with growing pressure after slipping against Petrzalka in a narrow 1-2 home defeat. Despite dominating stretches in possession, their inability to convert in the final third and susceptibility to counterattacks have been evident. Their last four games show a solitary win, two defeats, and one draw—a snapshot of a side in tactical transition under Solskjær. Maintaining focus and tactical discipline remains their biggest challenge, especially when forced to chase games late.
Shakhtar Donetsk, in contrast, demonstrated both defensive solidity and ruthless efficiency in their recent 5-0 win over Brinje Grosuplje and a 6-0 demolition of Ilves. A blip came against Triglav (0-1), but the overall pattern is a side in strong form, with 3 wins and just a single defeat from their last six outings. Their coach, Arda Turan, has instilled assertive attacking principles and brought versatility—key for navigating European qualifying rounds where adapting to the opponent is everything.
Most recent Head-to-Head Matches
| Statistic | Besiktas | Shakhtar Donetsk |
|---|---|---|
| Total shots | 7 | 12 |
| Free kicks | 12 | 9 |
| Corner kicks | 4 | 7 |
| Total fouls | 14 | 10 |
| Pass accuracy (%) | 81 | 84 |
| Interceptions | 4 | 7 |
| Offsides | 2 | 1 |
🚨Read our full Besiktas vs Shakhtar Donetsk stats for more analysis.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Besiktas the favourite
- Moneyline Besiktas 2.30 | Shakhtar Donetsk 2.75
- Draw 3.60
- Over/Under Over 2.5 1.98 | Under 2.5 1.80
- BTTS (both teams to score) Yes 1.72 | No 2.02
Bookmakers slightly edge the probability toward Besiktas, largely based on home advantage and historical fortress-like conditions at Vodafone Park. However, the narrow nature of the odds (Shakhtar Donetsk at 2.75) underscores the even contest. The over/under suggests expectations for goals, which aligns with both teams’ attacking inclinations. With Shakhtar’s current form and edge in frontline efficiency, I see more value away from the outright and toward safer “Draw No Bet” or goals markets.
You can find all our predictions for today’s games on our football betting tips page.
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Possible Starting Lineups
Besiktas possible starting eleven
- GK: Mert Günok
- DF: Necip Uysal, Omar Colley, Arthur Masuaku
- MF: Gedson Fernandes, Salih Uçan, Valentin Rosier, Rachid Ghezzal
- FW: Semih Kilicsoy, Vincent Aboubakar, Milot Rashica
Solskjær is likely to maintain his trusted 3-4-3 formation to maximize width and direct play—a necessity for overcoming Shakhtar’s organized blocks. Kilicsoy earns his starting place through tireless off-the-ball runs and an eye for half-spaces, while Aboubakar’s experience and Rashica’s pace round out an attacking trio. Uysal should marshal the defense as the anchor, with Fernandes providing energy and transition in midfield. Watch for Rosier and Ghezzal to provide surges down the flanks, especially if Besiktas find themselves chasing the game.
Shakhtar Donetsk possible starting eleven
- GK: Dmytro Riznyk
- DF: Mykola Matviyenko, Valeriy Bondar, Yukhym Konoplia, Irakli Azarov
- MF: Artem Bondarenko, Heorhii Sudakov, Egor Nazaryna
- FW: Alisson Santana Lopes da Fonseca, Kevin Santos Lopes de Macedo, Newerton
Turan will stick with the fluid 4-2-3-1, exploiting width via Konoplia and Azarov and orchestrating control through Bondarenko and Sudakov. The ever-present threat is Alisson, red-hot in front of goal and decisive in transitions. Kevin Santos and Newerton round out an attacking lineup that combines pace and technical skill. Matviyenko provides composure at the back, and Riznyk’s recent clean sheets instil further confidence. Shakhtar’s disciplined structure allows them to absorb pressure and hit rapidly on the break—a vital weapon away from home.
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Shakhtar Donetsk. Source: Official Instagram. Edited photo
The Verdict
My main pick for this match is Shakhtar Donetsk Draw No Bet—largely hinging on their current momentum and confidence in front of goal. Besiktas will have the crowd and the motivation, but the cohesion of Shakhtar’s attack, as well as their proven ability to exploit defensive lapses, cannot be understated. If Besiktas are to make a statement at home, their wing play and set piece routines have to come off flawlessly. However, Turan’s side, with the likes of Alisson and Kevin Santos on form, looks well placed to leave Istanbul with either a win or, at worst, a valuable draw. Expect a lively contest with goals at both ends.
