Shakhtar Donetsk – Barcelona : Preview & Prediction
Shakhtar Donetsk were a tough nut to crack for FC Barcelona on matchday three of the UEFA Champions League (UCL), but the Ukrainian side came away empty-handed from Montjuïch (FCB 2-1 SD) in their first match under Marino Pušić. Three points behind Porto, who occupy second place in Group H, Shakhtar have strung together two domestic victories and face on Tuesday at their temporary home of the Volksparkstadion a duel in which a good part of their chances of advancing to the round of 16 are at stake.
Including their visit to the Stadio Olimpico Lluís Companys on October 25, Shakhtar have lost five of their seven UCL matches against Barça (G2, P5), one of the clubs against whom they have suffered the most defeats in the competition. Another slip-up against the Azulgranas would be almost fatal for a team that has just one win in its last eight UCL matches (G1, E3, P4).
Although the head-to-head record between the two clubs is very favorable to Barcelona, the Azulgranas have never beaten Shakhtar twice in the UCL group stage. Xavi’s side, who travel to Hamburg leading their group with 9/9 points, have the opportunity to win their first four games in a UCL group for the third time in history. Likewise, a win over Shakhtar at the Volksparkstadion would be Barça’s 11th consecutive win against Ukrainian clubs.
Barça, who go into the game on the back of a dramatic but all-important win at the Reale Arena (Real Sociedad 0-1 FCB, 92′ Araujo), need only a draw on Tuesday to seal their place in the UCL play-offs for the first time in three seasons. The five-time European champions can’t be complacent after winning their last two UCL away games; in four of the five outings prior to those two in the competition, Barça were defeated and went scoreless (G1, P4).
Players to watch: Oleksandr Zubkov has been very active for Shakhtar recently, scoring/assisting (G2, A2) in three of his last four appearances, the exception being the clash against Barça. Ferran Torres scored and assisted in that match; each of the Valencian winger’s last nine UCL group stage matches with a goal has resulted in a win for his club.
Key stat: Shakhtar have been 1-0 down in seven of their last eight UCL matches, including each of the five most recent.
Shakhtar Donetsk – Barcelona : Betting Tips
Barcelona – Win Odds: 1.25
