Comments and predictions for Shakhtar Donetsk vs Besiktas: Breathtaking comeback

Latest information on Shakhtar Donetsk vs Besiktas forces

Shakhtar have a strong squad ahead of the second leg and will likely keep 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 not being fit enough to play.

As for Besiktas, blockbuster signing Orkun Kokcu – who just moved from Benfica – made his debut in the first leg and is expected to inspire the 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 expected 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 football commentary Shakhtar Donetsk vs Besiktas

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 new Brazilian squad, 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.

Therefore, despite winning the national 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 total score of 6-0 after two matches.

Shakhtar have no domestic league to worry about, with the new season in Ukraine not kicking off 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 run could be over before the domestic season even starts.

Having finished fourth behind Samsunspor, Besiktas – under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – had to enter from the second qualifying round, instead of going straight to the play-offs as expected. The draw put them up against very strong opponents 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 elimination would be a heavy blow to Besiktas' ambitions, and put great pressure on the team before the second leg.

Latest score prediction for Shakhtar Donetsk vs Besiktas

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 on online sports channels. Wishing viewers happy moments of watching football.