Prediction: Shakhtar Donetsk vs Panathinaikos

Prediction: Shakhtar Donetsk to win 1-0

Best Odds: 5/1

Bookmaker: Zetbet

Shakhtar Donetsk and Panathinaikos will lock horns with each other in the UEFA Europa League qualifying this week. The second leg of the third qualifying round tie between the Ukrainian Premier League club and the Super League Greece outfit will be held at the Henryk Reyman Municipal Stadium in Krakow, Poland, and is scheduled to kick off at 7pm UK time on Thursday.

Shakhtar Donetsk

Shakhtar Donetsk are one of the biggest clubs in Ukraine and are one of the most well-known teams from the country. Hirnyky regularly win the Ukrainian Premier League and also feature in the UEFA Champions League.

Kroty endured a disappointing 2024-25 campaign in the Ukrainian Premier League and finished as low as third in the standings. This means that Arda Turan’s side would have to settle for a place in the UEFA Europa League this season, and that too only if they negotiate the qualifying rounds.

Shakhtar played out an encouraging goalless draw with Panathinaikos in the first leg in Greece last season, which pleased Turan. The Ukrainian club’s manager said: “I’m not satisfied with the score, but I’m satisfied with the play. We started with some simple ball losses, but later took control over the ball and dominated. 

“We respect the strategy of our opponents, Panathinaikos, and knew they would be dangerous from set pieces and quick transitions. And indeed, such moments occurred during the game. In the second half, we played the football we want to see. 

“We controlled the ball and the entire match. When you play against opponents like Panathinaikos, you have to act correctly in key moments. In my opinion, we made a few mistakes in that regard. 

“Overall, I’m happy with the progress of the game, but in the penalty area, when we get there, we need to show more hunger to score, we need to feel it. 

“Because that kind of game demands it. Sometimes, maybe we were too calm in the box, but it’s important to understand the value of getting the ball to the final stage. Maybe there’s no tactic for that, but we will think about how to improve it. 

“We will work on it. I am satisfied with the performance of my footballers. It’s not easy to endure all these flights and play every three days. Our vision is one team, one family. And we will stick to this path. I’m proud of my players.

Team News:

Shakhtar Donetsk are likely to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation against Panathinaikos. Dmytro Riznyk will be in goal and will have Vinicius Augusto, Valerly Bondar, Mykola Matviyenko and Pedrinho in front of him in defence. Oleh Ocheretko and Marlon Gomes will be the two holding midfielders. Alisson Santana, Georgiy Sudakov and Newertton will be deployed in attacking midfield. Kaua Elias will lead the line for the Ukrainian club.

Panathinaikos

Panathinaikos are a Greek giant and are one of the biggest and most well-known clubs in the country. Panathinaikos are one of three clubs that have never been relegated from the Greek top division, while winning the title as many as 20 times and the Greek Cup on 20 occasions, too.

The Greens are used to playing in the UEFA Champions League, but they finished second in the Super League Greece last season and were knocked out by Scottish Premiership giants Rangers in the Champions League qualifying.

Panathinaikos failed to win the first leg of the tie at home and had to settle for a draw. The Greek giants will have to step up their game in the second leg if they are to progress.

Team News:

Panathinaikos are likely to line up in a 4-3-3 formation against Panathinaikos. Bartlomiej Dragowski will be in goal for the Greek club. Giannis Kotsiras, Erik Palmer-Brown, Ahmed Touba and Georgios Kyriakopoulos will be the four defenders. Mateus Tete, Pedro Chirivella and Nemanja Maksimovic will be the three players in midfield. Facundo Pellistri, Karol Swiderski and Filip Djuricic will be deployed in attack.

Key Factors to Consider

• Shakhtar Donetsk have won four out of their last seven matches
• Shakhtar Donetsk average 2.3 goals scored and 0.87 conceded per game.
• Panathinaikos had 12 attempts on goal in the first leg against Shakhtar Donetsk.
• Panathinaikos took 4 corners in the first leg against Shakhtar Donetsk.
• Panathinaikos have won just one of their last seven matches

Conclusion

Panathinaikos did well to hold on to a draw against Shakhtar Donetsk in the first leg. While the Greek giants will head into the second leg with confidence, it is very likely that Shakhtar will eke out a narrow in Poland and book their place in the next round.

Prediction: Shakhtar Donetsk to win 1-0

Best Odds: 5/1

Bookmaker: Zetbet