The Matchday 8 clash in the 2024/25 Champions League group stage between Borussia Dortmund (Germany) and Shakhtar Donetsk (Ukraine) will take place on January 29 at Signal Iduna Park. Borussia Dortmund vs. Shakhtar Donetsk: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Borussia Dortmund
The Germans suffered defeats in their last two Champions League encounters. First, Dortmund lost at home to Barcelona (2-3), and then away to Bologna (1-2). However, this did not prevent the club from securing a spot in the playoff matches, as they achieved four victories in the first five rounds of the group stage. Notably, the Germans have scored 19 goals, the second-highest tally among all clubs in the group stage. Nevertheless, these performances did not impress the Dortmund management, who dismissed Nuri Sahin immediately after the defeat to the Italians.
Mike Tullberg has been appointed as the interim head coach. Additionally, defender Niklas Süle and midfielder Felix Nmecha will miss the match due to injuries.
- Borussia's uncompromising streak in the Champions League stands at 13 matches (8 wins and 5 losses).
- At least three goals have been scored in 6 of the last 7 games for the Germans in this European competition.
- In their last 14 home matches in the Champions League, Dortmund has suffered only one defeat (9 wins and 4 draws).
Shakhtar Donetsk
The Ukrainians secured a confident victory over Brest (2-0) in the last round. This was only the team's second win in the group stage (previously defeating Young Boys). Shakhtar also has a draw with Bologna to their name. The club has seven points and sits in 27th place in the group stage standings. Shakhtar's chances of advancing to the playoffs remain, but they need to defeat their upcoming opponent by a large margin and hope for slip-ups from their competitors.
Forward Eginaldo will miss the match due to injury.
- The club has secured only two victories in their last eight matches in this European competition (1 draw and 5 losses).
- No more than three goals have been scored in 8 of Shakhtar's last 11 Champions League games.
- At least two goals have been scored in the first half in 6 of the Ukrainians' last 8 matches in this tournament.
Predicted lineups for Borussia Dortmund vs. Shakhtar Donetsk
Borussia Dortmund (4-2-3-1): Gregor Kobel – Emre Can, Nico Schlotterbeck, Waldemar Anton, Julian Ryerson – Felix Nmecha, Marcel Sabitzer – Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, Maximilian Beyer, Julien Duranville – Serhou Guirassy.
Shakhtar Donetsk (4-1-4-1): Dmytro Riznyk – Vinicius Tobias, Valeriy Bondar, Mykola Matviyenko, Irakli Azarovi – Dmytro Kryskiv – Marlon Gomes, Heorhii Sudakov, Kevin, Pedrinho – Lassina Traore.
Referee: Glenn Nyberg (Sweden)
Matches – 7 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 20;
Average yellow cards per match – 2.9;
Red cards shown – 0;
Average fouls per match – 23;
Penalties – 29%.
Borussia Dortmund vs. Shakhtar Donetsk: Match Prediction
Given the current standings, both clubs have little reason to play defensively and should focus more on attacking. The Germans are already in the playoffs but hope to finish in the top 8, which requires outscoring their opponents. Borussia is well-capable of defeating the visitors, as Shakhtar will need to open up, push forward, and take risks to win this encounter. The Ukrainians will not sit back in defense, as they still have a slim chance of advancing to the next stage of the tournament.
Both teams are not known for their defensive prowess, so I expect goals from both sides. The Ukrainians have scored in 16 of their last 20 Champions League matches but have also conceded in 19 of their last 23 games in this tournament. Borussia has failed to score in only one of their last 18 matches in this European competition – the Champions League final against Real Madrid. Therefore, I am confident that the match will be entertaining and high-scoring. My prediction: Both teams to score – yes
