Borussia Dortmund vs Shakhtar: Match Preview, Predictions & Lineups

Fixture: Borussia Dortmund vs Shakhtar

Date: Wednesday, 29 January 2025

Kick-off Time: 20:00 CET

Venue: BVB Stadion Dortmund, Dortmund

Competition: UEFA Champions League, Matchday 8

Borussia Dortmund hosts Shakhtar Donetsk in the final round of the UEFA Champions League league phase. Dortmund has accumulated 12 points, but their campaign has faltered with three consecutive defeats, including a 2-1 loss at Bologna that led to the departure of head coach Nuri Şahin. Meanwhile, Shakhtar sits on seven points and will aim to close their campaign with a respectable showing.

Dortmund has been dominant in previous encounters with Shakhtar, boasting three wins and one draw in four meetings. However, their current form raises questions about their ability to maintain this record.

• Played: 4
• Dortmund Wins: 3
• Shakhtar Wins: 0
• Draws: 1
• Dortmund Goals: 10
• Shakhtar Goals: 3
  

2012/13 Champions League Round of 16

• Shakhtar 2-2 Dortmund
• Dortmund 3-0 Shakhtar

2001/02 Champions League Third Qualifying Round

• Shakhtar 0-2 Dortmund
• Dortmund 3-1 Shakhtar
  

• Last 5 Matches (All Competitions): D-L-L-L-L
• Most Recent Champions League Result: Bologna 2-1 Borussia Dortmund (UEFA Champions League)
• Key Stat: Dortmund haven't won in five consecutive matches across all competitions, conceding 13 goals in the process.
  

• Last 5 Matches (All Competitions): W-L-L-W-D
• Most Recent Result: Shakhtar 2-0 Brest (UEFA Champions League)
• Key Stat: Shakhtar has won only one of their last five European away games, including heavy defeats to Bayern (1-5) and Arsenal (0-1)
  

Formation: Likely 4-2-3-1 under interim management.

Key Players:

• Serhou Guirassy: The Guinean striker is in prolific form with seven goals in the Champions League, making him Dortmund’s primary goal threat.
• Jamie Gittens: A rising star with four goals in the competition, Gittens brings energy and creativity to Dortmund’s attack.
• Julian Brandt: A consistent performer in midfield, Brandt provides vision and playmaking ability.

Injuries/Suspensions:

• Yan Couto and Julian Ryerson are one booking away from suspension.
• Niklas Süle: Ruled out through a Syndesmotic ligament tear.
  

Formation: Likely 4-3-3 under Marino Pušić.

Key Players:

• Georgiy Sudakov: The young Ukrainian midfielder has contributed two goals in the competition and is pivotal in Shakhtar’s transitions.
• Dmytro Riznyk: The goalkeeper leads the competition in saves with 33, a testament to his resilience despite Shakhtar’s defensive vulnerabilities.
• Oleksandr Zubkov: A versatile attacker with two goals in this campaign, Zubkov’s movement will test Dortmund’s backline.

Injuries/Suspensions:

• Taras Stepanenko and Dmytro Kryskiv are one booking away from suspension.
• Andriy Totovytskyi: Ruled out through an unknown injury.
• Eguinaldo: Ruled out through a hamstring injury.
  

Dortmund will aim to dominate possession and play through the wings, utilising the pace and skill of Karim Adeyemi and Jamie Gittens. Serhou Guirassy will be the focal point in attack, with Julian Brandt orchestrating from midfield. Defensively, Nico Schlotterbeck and Waldemar Anton must tighten up after recent lapses.

Shakhtar will likely employ a counterattacking strategy, with Georgiy Sudakov and Oleksandr Zubkov looking to exploit gaps in Dortmund’s high defensive line. Mykola Matviyenko’s leadership at the back will be crucial to withstand Dortmund’s pressure.

Borussia Dortmund 3-1 Shakhtar Donetsk

Despite their recent slump, Dortmund’s home record against Ukrainian opposition and superior attacking options should see them secure victory.

Shakhtar Donetsk’s director of football, Darijo Srna, scored against Dortmund in their 2-2 draw during the 2012/13 Champions League round of 16.

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All odds and markets are correct as of the date of publication.