Borussia Dortmund vs Shakhtar Donetsk
UEFA Champions League, KO: 20:00 Jan 29, 2025, Signal Iduna Park
Borussia Dortmund are guaranteed a place in the next phase, but the possibility remains that they could skip the knock-outs.
Shakhtar Donetsk still have a mathematical chance of progressing, but it would be the Champions League miracle of the century.
Dortmund's season continues to get worse by the week after the team once again squandered a 2-0 lead to drop points against Werder Bremen. With this draw, their streak of games without a win increased to five, with their previous four games being losses. All in all, Dortmund have just one win in their last 10 matches in all competitions.
BVB should definitely be happy that they managed to secure qualification far before the final rounds. After last week's loss to Bologna, we doubt they would have managed to qualify with their current form.
Shakhtar Donetsk played a brilliant game against Brest and kept their chances of qualification alive. However, it should be noted that for that to happen they need to win by a huge margin.
Another fact is that Shakhtar haven't won two consecutive Champions League games in over six years. And, of course, it should be noted that they have played one game in a month and a half, as the Ukrainian championship is on winter break.
How the bookies view it: They all back BVB
Bookmakers expect Borussia Dortmund to rise and end their winless streak. You can take advantage of the modest 7/20 for the hosts or back the underdogs at 13/2. The draw also offers significant value at 9/2.
Recent head to head: Old rivals meet again
Borussia Dortmund and Shakhtar Donetsk have a rich past, having met a total of four times in the Champions League. To date, BVB have not lost a game against this team or any Ukrainian team, leading the way with three wins. Their fourth clash ended in a 2-2 draw.
Players to watch: Seven goals in seven CL matches for Guirassy
Dortmund have struggled this season but this man has done everything in his power to help them succeed. Serhou Guirassy has seven goals in seven Champions League matches this season. If there is a match that demands a top performance, it is this one.
Probable line-ups
Borussia Dortmund: Kobel, Bensebaini, Schotterbeck, Anton, Ryerson, Gross, Sabitzer, Gittens, Brandt, Adeyemi, Guirassy
Shakhtar Donetsk: Riznyk, Konoplia, Bondar, Matviienko, Henrique, Kryskiv, Zybkov, Bondarenko, Sudakov, Kevin, Sikan
Anything else catch the eye?
Borussia Dortmund have always been a strong home team, although they usually are much better on the road than this season. We're not going to mention their terrible away statistics at all because we're interested in their home games. And right now Dortmund haven't won in five consecutive home games.
Each of those five games ended with goals from both teams, as have eight of their last 10 home games overall. Considering Shakhtar are in good form and will chase the goal with all their might, we can expect BTTS.
The risk is high, but Dortmund's defence is practically non-existent at the moment. In this case, maybe Over 2.5 goals is the better option.
This UEFA Champions League match between Borussia Dortmund and Shakhtar Donetsk will be played on Jan 29, 2025 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Borussia Dortmund vs Shakhtar Donetsk prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
