Among all the first-leg matches of the second qualifying round of the Europa League, one in particular lived up to expectations — and yet ended with a rather surprising result: Shakhtar Donetsk's away clash against Besiktas. The Ukrainian side pulled off a stunning 4-2 win in Istanbul, firmly establishing themselves as one of the favorites to reach the final stages of the 2025/26 Europa League. The win was anything but accidental. Arda Turan’s men dominated large stretches of the game, showcasing their technical and tactical superiority, and creating a significant number of scoring opportunities — in fact, the four goals they netted could easily have been more. Standout performers for Shakhtar included Alisson, who scored one and assisted two, and Kevin, who bagged a brace. On the home side, a positive note came from Abraham, who scored on his debut by converting a penalty just before half-time. This two-goal cushion sets up Shakhtar nicely for the return leg, which — as has been the case for the past three years — will not be played at their home ground but in Krakow, Poland. While they don’t need to win at all costs, it’s hard to imagine an attack-minded team like Shakhtar sitting back, so another goal-filled game is expected. Besiktas, meanwhile, must score at least three goals to advance, meaning they'll need to go all-out in attack. While they have the offensive tools to do it, the defensive vulnerabilities they showed — especially on the left flank — during the first leg make the comeback mission easier said than done.

Shakhtar Donetsk's Recent Form and Key Stats

That 4-2 away victory over Besiktas is a testament to Shakhtar Donetsk’s great form under Arda Turan. They are now unbeaten in their last ten matches. Over their last five official games, which include three wins and two draws, they've averaged three goals per match while conceding just 0.8 — a sign of both offensive dominance and defensive stability.

Despite being forced to play their "home" games abroad for over three years, Shakhtar have lost just 2 of their last 18 home fixtures. In the Europa League, they’ve also been solid, with 8 wins or draws in their last 9 home games in the competition.

Two players who have stood out in this early season are Alisson and Kevin, both of whom have already scored 3 goals in this Europa League campaign.

Besiktas' Recent Form and Key Stats

Besiktas couldn’t have had a worse start to their new season, falling at home to a dominant Shakhtar Donetsk. Warning signs had already appeared during pre-season losses to relatively modest sides like Wolfsberger and Petrzalka, especially with their defensive performances.

In their last five official outings, Besiktas have conceded an average of 1.6 goals per game while scoring 2.4 — suggesting an unbalanced team still finding its identity.

On a more positive note, Besiktas lost just one of their last nine away games (five wins, three draws) in all competitions last season, proving they can be dangerous on the road. A highlight from the first leg was Abraham’s debut goal, after his move from Roma earlier in July. However, other new signings like Jurasek and Kokcu failed to make much impact.

Shakhtar Donetsk vs Besiktas Prediction and Tactical Overview

BetMines’ prediction for Shakhtar Donetsk — just like in the first leg — suggests another entertaining match full of goals and open play. At least three total goals are expected, and both teams are likely to score.

Shakhtar secured their first-leg win by playing with intensity and taking full advantage of the right flank, where Alisson and Kevin often swapped sides to great effect, causing havoc in Besiktas’ defense. Even with a two-goal advantage, Shakhtar are not built to sit back and defend, so a proactive approach and more goals seem likely.

Besiktas are still in a transitional phase, with several new players joining in July. Solskjaer will hope they’ve now better absorbed his tactics, and that their individual qualities will shine in what is already a season-defining match. Despite some disjointed attacking movements, there’s plenty of talent — from Abraham to Joao Mario, Kokcu to Gedson Fernandes — to find the back of the net.

Since the 1X2 result is tough to call, especially with both teams expected to attack without holding back, BetMines’ algorithm strongly leans toward the Over 2.5 goals market and both teams to score.

• Shakhtar Donetsk vs Besiktas Prediction by BetMines: Both Teams to Score – 55%
  
  
• Shakhtar Donetsk vs Besiktas Prediction by BetMines: Over 2.5 Goals – 55%

Probable Lineups Shakhtar Donetsk vs Besiktas

SHAKHTAR DONETSK (4-1-4-1): Riznyk; Konoplia, Bondar, Matviyenko, Henrique; Gomes; Alisson, Ocheretko, Sudakov, Kevin; Eguinaldo. Coach: Arda Turan

BESIKTAS (4-2-3-1): Gunok; Svensson, Paulista, Uduokhai, Jurasek; Tiknaz, Kokcu; Rashica, Silva, Fernandes; Abraham. Coach: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer