The Matchday 8 fixture of 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 have lost their last two Champions League matches. First, Dortmund fell at home to Barcelona (2-3), and then suffered a defeat away to Bologna (1-2). However, this did not prevent the club from securing a spot in the playoff matches, as Borussia had achieved four victories in the first five rounds of the group stage. Notably, the Germans have scored 19 goals, which is the second-highest tally among all clubs in the group stage. Despite these statistics, the Dortmund club's management was not impressed and dismissed Nuri Sahin immediately after the loss to the Italians.
Mike Tullberg has been appointed as the interim head coach. It is also worth noting that 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 Champions League matches, 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 (having previously beaten Young Boys). The Miners also have a draw with Bologna. The club has seven points and is in 27th place in the group stage standings. Shakhtar still has a chance to advance to the playoffs, but they need to defeat their upcoming opponent by a large margin and hope for failures from their rivals.
Forward Eginaldo will miss the match due to injury.
- The club has won only two of their last eight matches in this European competition (1 draw and 5 losses).
- No more than three goals were scored in 8 of Shakhtar's last 11 Champions League games.
- At least two goals were 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, neither club has a reason to play defensively and should focus more on attacking. The Germans are already in the playoffs but aim to finish in the top 8, which requires outscoring their opponents. Borussia is capable of defeating the visitors, as the guests will constantly open up, push forward, and take risks to win this match. The Ukrainians will not sit back in defense, as they have a slim chance of advancing to the next stage of the tournament.
Neither team is renowned for their defensive play, 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 only failed to score once in their last 18 matches in this European competition – in the Champions League final against Real Madrid. Therefore, I am confident this will be an entertaining and high-scoring encounter. My prediction: Both teams to score – yes