Shakhtar Donetsk vs Besiktas Prediction: 31.07.2025 UEFA Europa League Preview

As the UEFA Europa League Second Qualifying Round draws to a close, all eyes turn to Kyiv’s grand Olimpiyskiy National Sports Complex, where Shakhtar Donetsk host Besiktas in what promises to be a test of tactical nerve and competitive resilience. This clash not only pits two storied clubs against each other but brings a compelling narrative: Arda Turan’s Shakhtar, brimming with confidence after a free-scoring victory in the first leg, face an embattled Besiktas side under Ole Gunnar Solskjær, desperate to overturn a two-goal deficit.

Among the many storylines, focus naturally gravitates toward Shakhtar’s Brazilian attacker Kevin Santos—already on a five-goal tear in his last four appearances—and Besiktas’s João Mário, whose two goals in his last two matches stand as a rare bright spot for the Black Eagles. With new tactical influences from both benches, the individual brilliance of these two could be crucial in a match that’s not short on narrative or consequence.

Perhaps most striking is Shakhtar Donetsk’s rampant scoring form: 14 goals in their last five matches signals not only attacking confidence but also a template for how they might approach this tie. For Besiktas, conceding four in the first leg leaves them treading a fine line between boldness and recklessness—a familiar but dangerous place for Solskjær’s men.

🏅Best bets for Shakhtar Donetsk vs Besiktas at Thunderpick with a Welcome offer +100% up to 600€💰

Shakhtar Donetsk vs Besiktas prediction

With Shakhtar boasting a high-scoring offense and Besiktas showing defensive frailty—evident from conceding four goals in the first leg—the value lies on expecting Shakhtar to either avoid defeat or win outright. The “Asian Handicap -1 Shakhtar Donetsk” stands as the best value given Shakhtar’s home advantage, momentum, and superior offensive metrics.

Statistically, Shakhtar average nearly three goals per match across their last five outings, while Besiktas have struggled both with discipline (6 yellow cards compared to Shakhtar’s 3 recently) and solidity, shipping 10 goals in that same span. Besiktas’s ball progression and passes completed (average pass accuracy: 89 percent) show a side trying to build, but individual lapses and a high fouls count (20 fouls over their last five) undermine their collective effort.

Shakhtar play a possession-heavy 4-2-3-1 but are direct and frequently get their wing-forwards, especially Kevin Santos and Alisson Lopes, into goal-scoring positions. By contrast, Besiktas’s 4-1-4-1 relies on midfield compactness, but with passing errors and a tendency to lose the ball under pressure, expect them to leave gaps as they chase the deficit.

Team Analysis

Shakhtar Donetsk ride into this encounter after dismantling Besiktas 4-2 in Istanbul, a result that underscored both their goal-scoring prowess and their vulnerability in transitions (they did concede twice). The previous matches reinforce the theme: a shock 0-1 defeat to Triglav (anomalous given opponent rank), a goalless draw vs Ilves, then a five-goal onslaught against Brinje and a sweeping 6-0 over Ilves in the prior leg. Shakhtar’s recent form has seen goals spread throughout the attack, high pass accuracy (averaging near 90 percent), and a well-drilled back four that presses high but is sometimes caught by pacey counters.

Besiktas, meanwhile, search for answers after the first-leg setback. This was their third defeat in five outings—preceded by losses to Petrzalka (1-2), Wolfsberger (2-3), and a hard-fought draw against Admira (1-1). Their only recent win was a 2-0 dispatching of St. Polten. The underlying numbers are less flattering: limited attacking output (just four goals in five games), more yellow cards, and a defense leaking 10 goals. With Solskjær likely to push full-backs higher, expect Besiktas to create chances—but also risk further defensive exposure.

Most recent Head-to-Head Matches

🚨Read our full Shakhtar Donetsk vs Besiktas stats for more analysis.

Pre-game odds and win probability: Shakhtar Donetsk the favourite

• Moneyline Shakhtar Donetsk 2.09 | Besiktas 3.19
• Draw 3.87
• Over/Under Over 2.5 1.75 | Under 2.5 2.10
• BTTS (both teams to score) Yes 1.66 | No 2.15

Bookmakers rightfully position Shakhtar Donetsk as favourites, with their superior win rate (61 percent this year, versus Besiktas’s 47), proven recent form, and home advantage. The high odds on over 2.5 goals reflect the open nature of previous encounters, while “Both Teams To Score” heavily favours “Yes” thanks to the attacking approach by both managers. Given Besiktas’s tendency to risk and leave gaps, but still possess a dangerous forward in João Mário, expect an open, high-scoring contest.

You can find all our predictions for today’s games on our football betting tips page.

🏅Tips.GG premium subscription brings you even closer to WIN!🏅

• Gain access to the most profitable bets by using our analysis of over 60,000 monthly predictions from 1000+ sources.
• Premium users enjoy predictions from tipsters with the highest win rate while also gaining access to favorable odds, outcome calculation, and quick filter to favorable odds.
• Unlock the “Golden Bet” – our unique formula for the best high-odd betting opportunities! Get detailed reports on our system’s performance, including Winrate, ROI, and Yield.

Possible Starting Lineups

Best football betting sites and Bonuses

The Verdict

It’s hard to look past Shakhtar Donetsk here—they simply have the wind at their backs after a dynamic attacking display in Istanbul, and with a talented, relentless front line, Arda Turan’s side are primed to capitalize on Besiktas mistakes. Expect Besiktas to throw caution to the wind, producing moments of attacking intent, but their tendency to lose midfield battles and struggle with defensive organization should prove costly. My main pick: Shakhtar Donetsk to win and over 2.5 goals. This match has the makings of an open, emotionally-charged fixture—exactly what the Europa League is made for.

More useful links for football fans

• Daily Football Predictions
• Football Teams Rankings
• Football Matches Today
• Current football tournaments
• Football betting guide by Tips.GG