Borussia Dortmund’s season has been nothing short of frustrating. After suffering a painful 2-1 defeat to Bologna in the UEFA Champions League (UCL), they sacked Nuri Şahin and appointed Mike Tullberg as their caretaker manager. However, their woes continued as they squandered a 2-0 lead against Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga, settling for a disappointing draw after being reduced to ten men.
Now, with a spot in the UCL knockout rounds on the line, Dortmund must bounce back against Shakhtar Donetsk. The Black and Yellows have already secured at least a place in the knockout play-offs, but an automatic qualification to the last 16 is still within reach. They need a victory here and will take confidence from their solid history against Ukrainian teams, boasting an unbeaten record in their last eight meetings (W6, D2), including three wins and a draw against Shakhtar.
Shakhtar’s Slim Chances of Progression
Shakhtar Donetsk are clinging to hope in this UCL campaign. Sitting three points away from a knockout qualification spot, they must not only beat Dortmund but also improve their goal difference. A glimmer of inspiration comes from their impressive 4-1 victory over Leipzig in the 2022/23 UCL season. They have won two of their last three encounters against Bundesliga teams in European competitions.
However, a long winter break in Ukraine means they may lack match sharpness compared to Dortmund. Their only competitive game in 2025 came on matchday seven when they beat Brest 2-0. Historically, Shakhtar has struggled to string together consecutive UCL wins, last achieving it in February 2018.
Key Players to Watch
Julian Brandt (Dortmund): The German midfielder is a game-changer, and every time he has scored in the UCL, his team has won (W6). After providing an assist against Bremen, he will be keen to step up on the big stage.
Kevin (Shakhtar Donetsk): The Shakhtar winger has scored in back-to-back UCL matches, both times opening the scoring inside the first 20 minutes. If Dortmund’s shaky defense fails to contain him early on, he could pose a serious threat.
Hot Stat & Match Prediction
Dortmund’s defensive vulnerabilities have been evident in recent games, with both teams scoring in nine of their last ten matches across all competitions. With Shakhtar desperate for a win and Dortmund fighting to secure direct qualification, we anticipate an entertaining clash with goals at both ends.
Prediction: Borussia Dortmund 2-1 Shakhtar Donetsk
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Final Thoughts Borussia Dortmund may not be in their best form, but their superior experience in this competition should see them through. Shakhtar, however, won’t go down without a fight. Expect an intense battle, plenty of chances, and a potential goal fest in Germany.
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