After the 0-0 draw in the first leg, Shakhtar Donetsk and Panathinaikos will decide everything in the return match scheduled for Thursday, August 14 in Krakow, the city that has been hosting the Ukrainian side’s home games for years. Arda Turan’s team, which knocked out Beşiktaş with a double win in the second round, has built up solid international experience in recent years, having regularly participated in the latest editions of the UEFA Europa League and the UEFA Champions League. Their greater familiarity with do-or-die matches, especially on “home” soil, could prove decisive to overcome the Greek side and book their spot in the late August playoff round against Samsunspor. Still unbeaten in both league and cup, Shakhtar have their season’s goals clear: reclaim the Ukrainian Premier League title, lost last year to Dynamo Kyiv, and make their mark on the European stage. In transfer news, experienced defender Marlon has recently returned, while rumors persist about a possible departure of Kevin, one of the standout players at the start of the season. Panathinaikos, on the other hand, are eager to bounce back after being eliminated by Rangers in the second qualifying round of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League, but now risk missing the UEFA Europa League league-phase for the second consecutive year. The Greek side have struggled to score in this early season, but the club seems more focused on strengthening other areas, as shown by their almost-completed move to sign free agent Davide Calabria, former AC Milan captain and right-back.

Shakhtar Donetsk's Recent Form and Key Stats

Shakhtar Donetsk have started the season strongly, unbeaten in their first five matches across all competitions, with three wins and two draws. Defensively they have been solid, conceding just five goals and keeping three clean sheets. Their attack remains their main weapon: an average of 2 goals per match and three players — Kevin, Alisson, and Kaua Elias — already on 4 goals each this season.

Last weekend, the Miners drew 3-3 away to Karpaty in the second round of the Ukrainian Premier League, with goals from Newerton, Kaua Elias, and Alisson. Regarding their “home” record, Shakhtar have lost just once in their last ten home games, bearing in mind they haven’t played at the Donbass Arena for over three years due to the ongoing conflict with Russia.

Panathinaikos' Recent Form and Key Stats

While waiting for the start of the Stoiximan Super League on August 24, Panathinaikos have played just three official matches so far, recording two draws and one loss. Their main concern is the attack, with only one goal scored so far. Coach Rui Vitória has alternated Swiderski and Ioannidis as central strikers, but without much success.

The Shamrock’s away form is worrying, and combined with their recent scoring drought, it doesn’t bode well ahead of the trip to Poland. Panathinaikos have won only once away from home in 2025, with three draws and eight defeats, including losses in the UEFA Europa Conference League against Víkingur Reykjavík and Fiorentina.

Shakhtar Donetsk vs Panathinaikos Prediction and Tactical Overview

Despite the goalless scoreline, the first leg between Shakhtar Donetsk and Panathinaikos was full of missed chances, both due to poor finishing and strong performances from goalkeepers Dragowski and Riznyk.

For the return leg, BetMines’ Shakhtar Donetsk vs Panathinaikos prediction leans towards a clear home win. The Ukrainian side come into this with a solid home record, while the Greek team have just one away win in the last eight months. Moreover, Shakhtar’s squad appears to be of a higher overall quality.

Tactically, Arda Turan’s team will aim to control possession and exploit the speed and skill of their wingers, Newerton and Alisson, to trouble the Greek backline. Kevin remains sidelined with injury, while Eguinaldo’s condition will be monitored after being substituted just three minutes into his appearance in the first leg.

Panathinaikos will likely try to withstand pressure for as long as possible, but this could result in a very deep defensive block, risking a heavy defeat. Their only realistic hope of forcing extra time lies in counter-attacks, though breaking down a defense that shut out Beşiktaş just ten days ago will be no easy task.

• BetMines Shakhtar Donetsk vs Panathinaikos Prediction: Shakhtar Donetsk to win (1X2 – Home Win) with a 52% probability

Probable Lineups Shakhtar Donetsk vs Panathinaikos

SHAKHTAR DONETSK (4-2-3-1): Riznyk; Tobias, Bondar, Matviyenko, Henrique; Ocheretko, Gomes; Alisson, Sudakov, Newerton; Elias. Coach: Arda Turan

PANATHINAIKOS (4-2-3-1): Dragowski; Kotsiras, Palmer-Brown, Touba, Kyriakopoulos; Chirivella, Maksimovic; Pellistri, Tetê, Djuricic; Swiderski. Coach: Rui Vitória