Beşiktaş vs Shakhtar Donetsk: Europa League Prediction (25.07.2025)

On Thursday, July 25 at 01:00 WIB, the Tupras Stadium in Istanbul will host the first leg of the UEFA Europa League 2025–2026 qualifying tie between local side Beşiktaş and Shakhtar Donetsk. The Turkish team reached this stage by finishing fourth in the recently concluded Süper Lig season. Shakhtar qualified for the Europa League as winners of the 2024–2025 Ukrainian Cup and eliminated Finnish club Ilves in the previous round.

Bookmakers offer a somewhat mixed prediction for the Beşiktaş vs Shakhtar Donetsk clash. The Turks are slightly favored to win the first leg, but the Ukrainians are more likely to advance overall. A Beşiktaş win is priced at 2.26, while their odds of progressing are 2.10. For Shakhtar, the same markets offer 2.92 and 1.69, respectively. Experts expect moderate scoring in the Istanbul match: over 2.5 total goals is priced at 1.92, and both teams to score is at 1.75.

Beşiktaş

When legendary Norwegian Ole Gunnar Solskjær took over the team in January 2025, Beşiktaş fans had high hopes. At times, it indeed seemed like the team had transformed and was scoring more frequently. However, in the penultimate round of the Süper Lig, Beşiktaş unexpectedly lost 1–2 at home to Rizespor — a result that cost them the bronze medal in the league.

In attack, the experienced Portuguese duo Rafa Silva and João Mário drive the play forward. On the right wing, young Mustafa Hekimoğlu had been impressing, but unfortunately, he suffered an injury in one of the friendly matches, casting doubt over his availability for the matches against Shakhtar.

Shakhtar Donetsk

All eyes in the Istanbul match will be on Turkish football legend Arda Turan, who earned 100 caps for the national team. He joined Shakhtar from Eyüpspor, where he narrowly missed qualifying for European competition by just one point.

The Donetsk squad has changed significantly over the past six months. Several key players, especially in the holding midfield positions, have left the club. This could pose a serious problem against a side with a dynamic midfield unit.

Stats and Head-to-Head Record

Since 2013, the two clubs have met three times in friendly matches. In July last year, Shakhtar won 1–0.

Prediction

It will be fascinating to watch two managers who were once legendary players for their national teams. However, the hosts appear more balanced and cohesive. The bet is on a Beşiktaş win at odds of 2.26.