Comments and predictions for Shakhtar Donetsk vs Besiktas: Breathtaking comeback

Latest Shakhtar Donetsk vs Besiktas team information

Shakhtar have a strong squad ahead of the second leg and are likely to retain the same squad that impressed in Istanbul.

Striker Alisson is in explosive form in the European Cup with 3 goals and 5 assists after just 2 matches - promising to continue to be the explosive force of the Ukrainian team.

Centre-back Marlon has just returned to Shakhtar on a free transfer from LAFC, after leaving the club when the war broke out in 2022. However, he is unlikely to play due to lack of fitness.

On Besiktas' side, blockbuster signing Orkun Kokcu – who has just moved from Benfica – made his debut in the first leg and is expected to inspire their comeback effort.

Tammy Abraham – who was brought in to replace Ciro Immobile – also scored on his debut, and Besiktas need another big performance from him if they are to have any hope of progressing.

Midfield duo Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Bakhtiyar Zaynutdinov continue to be absent through injury, with both likely to leave the club this summer after a season of limited playing time.

Latest predicted lineup Shakhtar Donetsk vs Besiktas

Shakhtar Donetsk:

Riznyk; Konoplya, Bondar, Matviienko, Pedro Henrique; Marlon Gomes, Ocheretko, Sudakov; Alisson, Eguinaldo, Kevin

Besiktas:

Gunok; Svensson, Gabriel, Uduokhai, Jurasek; Tiknaz, Kokcu; Rashica, Rafa Silva, Joao Mario; Abraham

Latest Shakhtar Donetsk vs Besiktas football prediction

The match was billed as the highlight of the qualifiers ahead of last Thursday – and it did not disappoint, with the first leg in Turkey seeing a thrilling six-goal thriller in Shakhtar's favour.

Under the guidance of coach Arda Turan, Shakhtar can thank their Brazilian recruits, especially Kevin's 96th-minute strike - a goal that could prove pivotal as they head into the second leg with a two-goal lead.

Since the conflict with Russia broke out, Shakhtar has faced many difficulties, losing many key stars and the performance of Ukrainian clubs in European competitions has also declined, affecting the national coefficient.

So, despite winning the domestic cup last season, Turan's team still had to start their Europa League journey from the first qualifying round. However, they easily overcame Ilves with a 6-0 aggregate score over two matches.

Shakhtar have no domestic league to worry about, with the new Ukrainian season not starting until August 3 against Episentr – allowing them to focus fully on the rematch in neutral Krakow.

It’s a similar story for Besiktas, who have yet to start their Super Lig campaign – they don’t start until next week against Kayserispor – but if they can’t pull off a comeback, their Europa League campaign could be over before the domestic season even starts.

Having finished fourth behind Samsunspor, Besiktas – managed by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – had to enter the second qualifying round, instead of going straight into the play-offs as expected. The draw put them up against a very strong opponent in the first round.

Last season they beat Lugano 8-4 on aggregate to reach the Europa League group stages and another high-scoring game is what they need if they are to turn things around this time.

After investing heavily in the transfer market, an early exit would be a heavy blow to Besiktas' ambitions, and put great pressure on the team ahead of the second leg.

Latest Shakhtar Donetsk vs Besiktas score prediction

Based on the above football comments, we and the world's leading football sites have given the results of the match.Shakhtar Donetsk vs Besiktasas follows:

• Sportsmole:Shakhtar Donetsk 1-2 Besiktas

• WhoScore:Shakhtar Donetsk 2-3 Besiktas
• Our newspaper predicts:Shakhtar Donetsk 2-3 Besiktas

When and where to watch Shakhtar Donetsk vs Besiktas live?

To watch live the match Shakhtar Donetsk vs Besiktas in the Champions League taking place at 1:00 a.m. on July 31, viewers can watch it on online sports channels. Wishing viewers happy moments of watching football.