Shakhtar Donetsk vs Besiktas Predictions

Shakhtar Donetsk vs Besiktas Predictions for this Europa League. Shakhtar Donetsk hold a strong advantage over Besiktas ahead of Thursday night’s Europa League Second Qualifying Round second leg. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.

Europa League | Jul 31 2025 at 7:00 pm UK at Arena Lviv, located

Shakhtar Donetsk vs Besiktas Predictions

Can Besiktas Pull Off a Comeback or Will Shakhtar Slam the Door Shut?

• Goal Machine in Europe
  • Shakhtar Donetsk have scored 10 goals across their last two European fixtures, showing ruthless efficiency up front and high attacking confidence.
• Must-Score Mentality
  • Besiktas must score at least two goals to stay in the tie, which means they’re guaranteed to go on the offensive from the outset.
• Defensive Concerns Persist
  • Neither team has kept a clean sheet in their last two Europa League matches, making a case for both teams to score and an open contest.

Best Bet for Shakhtar Donetsk vs Besiktas

The stage is set in Krakow for what promises to be an emotionally-charged conclusion to one of the most entertaining Europa League second qualifying round ties. Shakhtar Donetsk will enter this reverse fixture with confidence—and rightly so—after a breathless 4-2 win in Istanbul last week. It was a first-leg clash that lived up to the hype, with momentum shifts, individual brilliance, and a last-minute dagger from Kevin to silence the home crowd. With that two-goal cushion in hand, Shakhtar return to European action knowing the job is only half done, but they’ve given themselves a massive advantage.

Besiktas, for all their proud stature and expectations this summer, have been dealt a heavy early blow. A poor finish in last season’s Turkish Super Lig meant they entered the competition a round earlier than hoped, and it’s not gone to plan. They now need to overturn a significant deficit away from home—a daunting task, even if the match is being played on neutral ground.

There is little time for sympathy, though. Both clubs have spent big and made bold decisions in the transfer window, and this match is more than just about advancing—it’s about credibility, momentum, and proving that these revamped squads are worthy of Europe’s limelight.

Best Bet for Shakhtar Donetsk vs Besiktas: Over 2.5 Goals

At BettingTips4You, we always go for quality over quantity. That’s why we’re giving you just one prediction—the best one we’ve found after digging into all the angles. Our top tip for this thrilling return leg is Over 2.5 goals. It’s the ultimate bet for this match, and we’re confident it will deliver.

Why? Well, if the first leg was any indication, we’re in for another rollercoaster. Shakhtar have been sensational going forward, firing ten goals across their last two European matches. The pace and flair of Alisson, combined with Kevin’s clinical edge and Eguinaldo’s movement, means Shakhtar can hurt anyone. And they’re not shy about it either—Arda Turan has them playing fearless football, the kind that invites chaos and celebrates it.

On the flip side, Besiktas must score at least twice to stay alive. This means they can’t sit back and hope for a lucky break. The likes of Joao Mario, Orkun Kokcu, and Rafa Silva will be charged with creating havoc in the final third. Tammy Abraham’s debut goal shows he’s ready to deliver, and you just sense there’s more to come from him.

Let’s be honest—both teams have their flaws at the back. Shakhtar, despite their brilliance in attack, are not the most secure defensively. They’ve conceded in both previous rounds, and with no true home advantage due to ongoing conflict, Besiktas won’t be facing a hostile environment. Add that to their desperation to claw back the deficit, and you’ve got a match primed for goals.

As our BettingTips4You.com expert Wolfgang Shotten puts it:

“When both sides have the firepower and the flaws, betting on goals isn’t a gamble—it’s common sense. Expect end-to-end action from the opening whistle.”

With so many attacking talents on display and a scoreline that demands urgency, sitting on a 1-0 or 2-0 lead just won’t cut it. This game could explode in moments. We’re calling it—this is a goals galore situation.

Likely Correct Score: Shakhtar Donetsk 2-2 Besiktas

Shakhtar have enough in their locker to score, but with Besiktas throwing everything forward, it’s hard to imagine the Ukrainians keeping a clean sheet. A 2-2 draw feels on the cards—one that sends Shakhtar through but gives neutrals a thrilling spectacle.

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