Match Preview: Shakhtar Donetsk vs Brest (Champions League)
Published:
Fixture: Shakhtar Donetsk vs Brest
Date: Matchday 7, UEFA Champions League League Phase
Venue: Veltins Arena, Gelsenkirchen, Germany
Kickoff: Wednesday 22nd January, 17:45
Head-to-Head
This will be the first-ever meeting between Shakhtar Donetsk and Brest in European competition.
Shakhtar Donetsk vs. French Clubs
- Total Matches: 21
- Wins: 9
- Draws: 6
- Losses: 6
- Home Record: 4 wins, 5 draws, 1 loss
Recent Result: A 1-3 defeat to Marseille in the Europa League play-offs (February 2024).
Brest vs Ukrainian clubs
This marks Brest's inaugural encounter with a Ukrainian side in a European competition.
Form Guide
Shakhtar Donetsk
Last 5 Matches (All Competitions): W, W, L, L, W
Champions League Performance:
- One win in six matches (2-1 vs Young Boys).
- Five losses, including a heavy 1-5 defeat to Bayern Munich on Matchday 6.
- Struggles defensively, conceding 17 goals in six matches.
Brest
Last 5 Matches (All Competitions): W, W, W, L, W
Champions League Performance:
- Four wins in six matches, including notable victories over PSV Eindhoven (1-0) and Salzburg (4-0).
- Heavy defeats to Barcelona (0-3) and Salzburg (0-2) highlight their vulnerability against high-quality opposition.
- Strong away form with wins at Salzburg and Sparta Praha.
Key Players to Watch
Shakhtar Donetsk
- Georgiy Sudakov: A standout performer with nine goals across all competitions, driving Shakhtar’s attacking efforts.
- Dmytro Riznyk: Among the Champions League’s top goalkeepers in saves, with 29 recorded so far.
- Artem Bondarenko: Provides a critical shield for the backline, combining defensive acumen with occasional offensive contributions.
Brest
- Abdallah Sima: Brest’s attacking focal point, with goals and pace that threaten any defence.
- Hugo Magnetti: Key in midfield transitions and chance creation, essential for Brest’s counter-attacking game.
- Marco Bizot: The experienced goalkeeper has been instrumental in securing Brest’s unexpected run in the competition.
Tactical Breakdown
Shakhtar Donetsk
Formation: Likely 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1.
Approach:
- Emphasis on midfield control and quick counterattacks through wide players.
- Defensive organisation remains a concern, especially against pacey transitions.
Focus Areas:
- Strengthening defensive shape to avoid early concessions.
- Utilising Sudakov’s creativity to unlock Brest’s compact defence.
Brest
Formation: Expected 4-4-2.
Approach:
- Organised defensive block with swift counterattacks.
- Exploiting Shakhtar’s defensive lapses through Abdallah Sima’s speed and Magnetti’s vision.
Focus Areas:
- Maximising set-piece opportunities, a weak spot for Shakhtar.
- Maintaining compactness to frustrate Shakhtar’s attacking rhythm.
What's at Stake?
Shakhtar Donetsk
A win is essential to keep alive slim hopes of advancing in Europe, either through the Champions League or a Europa League berth. A loss would seal their elimination from European competition.
Brest
A victory would secure Brest’s place in the Champions League knockouts, while a draw may suffice depending on other results. Their debut campaign could reach new heights with a positive result here.
Predicted Lineups
Shakhtar Donetsk (4-3-3)
- Goalkeeper: Dmytro Riznyk
- Defenders: Konoplya, Matviienko, Bondar, Henrique
- Midfielders: Kryskiv, Sudakov, Bondarenko
- Forwards: Sikan, Zubkov, Eguinaldo
Brest (4-4-2)
- Goalkeeper: Marco Bizot
- Defenders: Haidara, Camara, Chardonnet, Lala
- Midfielders: Magnetti, Lees-Melou, Fernandes, Doumbia
- Forwards: Sima, Ajorque
Prediction
This match will likely be defined by Brest’s ability to capitalise on counter-attacking opportunities and Shakhtar’s defensive vulnerabilities. Brest’s strong away form in Europe gives them the edge, but Shakhtar’s experience and midfield talent could make this a close contest.
Predicted Scoreline: Shakhtar Donetsk 1-2 Brest
Key Factor: Brest’s discipline and speed in transitions could prove decisive against Shakhtar’s shaky backline.
Fun Facts
Venue Insight: Shakhtar has adopted the Veltins Arena as their home for European fixtures due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Debut Delight: Brest is one of five clubs making their Champions League debut this season, with their four wins marking an impressive start.
Streak to Break: Brest aims to be the first French side to win away against Shakhtar in a competitive fixture.
Expect a compelling clash as Shakhtar fights for survival while Brest looks to extend their fairy-tale European campaign.
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All odds and markets are correct as of the date of publication.
