The Volksparkstadion in Hamburg is set to host a highly anticipated clash between Shakhtar Donetsk vs Barcelona on November 7, 2023. This match, part of the 4th matchday of the International Clubs UEFA Champions League, is expected to draw a crowd of up to 57,000 enthusiastic fans.
Shakhtar Donetsk vs Barcelona Match Details
- Date: 07/11/2023
- Starting Time: 17:45 UTC
- Venue: Volksparkstadion, Hamburg, Germany
The Showdown
Having recently met on October 25, 2023, both teams are eager to face off once again. FC Barcelona, having won the last three encounters between these two teams, is looking to maintain their dominance. In their previous three matchups, FC Barcelona scored a total of 8 goals, while FC Shakhtar Donetsk managed only 2.
Weather Conditions
On matchday, the temperature is forecasted to reach a high of 19°C. While this should prevent early exhaustion among the players, the chances of clear skies are quite high.
The Title Race
FC Barcelona currently holds a prominent position in the league, and they will need to defend their lead against FC Shakhtar Donetsk. However, FC Shakhtar Donetsk is closely trailing by just two positions, making this clash a significant test for both teams.
The Lineups
FC Shakhtar Donetsk
Manager Marino Pusic is expected to field the following lineup for this match:
- Goalkeeper: Dmytro Riznyk
- Defense: Valerii Bondar, Irakli Azarov, Mykola Matvienko, Yukhym Konoplya
- Midfield: Taras Stepanenko, Dmytro Kryskiv, Georgiy Sudakov, Oleksandr Zubkov, Newertton Martins da Silva
- Attackers: Danylo Sikan
While the final lineup will be confirmed one hour before kickoff, it’s likely that Danylo Sikan will lead the front line.
FC Barcelona
In their next game, FC Barcelona’s manager, Xavi, is likely to employ a 3-4-1-2 formation with these players in the starting eleven:
- Goalkeeper: Marc-Andre Ter Stegen
- Defenders: Inigo Martinez, Ronald Araujo, Jules Kounde, Joao Cancelo, Alejandro Balde
- Midfielders: Ilkay Gundogan, Gavi
- Forward Line: Fermin Lopez Marin, Joao Felix, Robert Lewandowski
These players are expected to be supported by Ilkay Gundogan and Gavi in the midfield, with the defensive line consisting of Inigo Martinez, Ronald Araujo, Jules Kounde, Joao Cancelo, and Alejandro Balde.
The substitute players for both teams are as follows:
FC Shakhtar Donetsk
- Artur Rudko
- Giorgi Gocholeishvili
- Dmytro Chygrynskiy
- Yaroslav Rakitskiy
- Denil Castillo
- Maryan Shved
- Dmytro Topalov
- Novatus Miroshi
- Yehor Nazaryna
- Oleksiy Kashchuk
- Eguinaldo
- Kevin Kelsy
FC Barcelona
- Ander Astralaga Aranguren
- Inaki Pena
- Marcos Alonso
- Andreas Christensen
- Marc Casado Torras
- Pedri
- Oriol Romeu
- Raphinha
- Ferran Torres
- Lamine Yamal Nasraqui Ebana
Shakhtar Donetsk vs Barcelona Betting Tips
Sports betting experts highlight several crucial factors to consider when placing bets on this match. Lineups, previous goal percentages, and management styles are all important. A draw is unlikely, with FC Barcelona being the favorites to win with a 75.8% chance, while FC Shakhtar Donetsk has a 9.3% chance of winning.
To make an informed decision, it’s essential to consider these additional facts:
- In their last meeting, FC Barcelona won by a margin of 1 goal.
- FC Shakhtar Donetsk leads the first half in 47% of their matches, while FC Barcelona does so in 49% of their matches.
- FC Barcelona has scored at least one goal in their last 13 consecutive matches.
- When FC Shakhtar Donetsk leads 1-0 at home, they win 80% of their matches.
- FC Shakhtar Donetsk has scored at least one goal in their last 18 consecutive matches.
- When FC Barcelona is down 1-0 away, they win only 14% of their matches.
- FC Shakhtar Donetsk’s performance in the last 5 matches is better than FC Barcelona’s.
- On average, FC Shakhtar Donetsk scores 1 goal per match against FC Barcelona, while FC Barcelona scores an average of 2.2 goals against FC Shakhtar Donetsk.
JITABET’s Prediction
After a thorough analysis of statistics, recent form, and head-to-head games between Shakhtar Donetsk and Barcelona, JITABET predicts the final score as Shakhtar Donetsk 0 : 2 Barcelona.
Shakhtar Donetsk vs Barcelona Best Odds
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- Shakhtar Donetsk to win: 10.00
- Draw: 6.50
- Barcelona to win: 1.25
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Shakhtar Donetsk 1-0 Barcelona
In a shocking turn of events, Barcelona missed their chance to secure an early entry into the coveted Champions League knockout stages as they were unexpectedly defeated by Shakhtar Donetsk. Danylo Sikan emerged as the hero of the match, scoring the game’s only goal with a splendid looping header, courtesy of Giorgi Gocholeishvili’s well-placed cross. Newerton did make an attempt to add a late second goal for Shakhtar, but the teenager’s effort was disallowed due to offside.
Barcelona had a simple mission – secure a single point in Hamburg to guarantee their passage from Group H with two matches to spare. However, they found themselves frustrated by the resolute Ukrainian champions, despite their dominance in possession. The result means that Barcelona still tops Group H with 10 points, and their ticket to the knockout stages can be sealed if they avoid defeat against Porto in their upcoming match scheduled for November 28.
Shakhtar Donetsk, who last tasted victory against Barcelona in 2008, currently stands in third place in Group H with six points. Marino Pusic’s team aspires to reach the knockout stages for the first time since the 2017-18 campaign when they were eliminated in the round of 16 by Roma.
Key Players
Danylo Sikan
Danylo Sikan was the star of the night, earning the title of “Player of the Match” with an impressive average rating of 8.06. His goal was a masterclass of timing and technique, and it played a pivotal role in Shakhtar’s victory.
Giorgi Gocholeishvili
Gocholeishvili’s cross that led to the winning goal was a testament to his precision and vision. It was the type of delivery that strikers dream of, and it proved to be the difference-maker in this crucial encounter.
The Turning Point
The turning point of the game undoubtedly came when Danylo Sikan’s header hit the back of the net. This goal, combined with Shakhtar’s well-organized defense, proved to be insurmountable for Barcelona. Despite their possession dominance, Barcelona failed to breach Shakhtar’s defense, and the match ended with a surprising victory for the Ukrainian side.
Conclusion
This match has left football fans around the world stunned as Barcelona failed to secure an early ticket to the Champions League knockout stages. Shakhtar Donetsk, under the management of Marino Pusic, put up a formidable defense and capitalized on a crucial moment to secure victory. The dream of reaching the knockout stages is very much alive for Shakhtar, and they will be a team to watch as the Champions League campaign unfolds.
As we continue to witness the unpredictability of football, this match serves as a stark reminder that in the world’s most prestigious club competition, surprises can happen at any moment. Barcelona will have to regroup and prepare for their upcoming match against Porto, knowing that they are still in control of their destiny in this competition.
