Our prediction for this Europa League match:
Ilves
Match Time & Date:
17 July 2025
17:00
Prediction: 1-3
Shakhtar Donetsk
Ilves will try to make a miracle in the Europa League first qualifying round when they face Shakhtar Donetsk at their Tammelan Stadion on Thursday afternoon. Ilves suffered a heavy 6-0 loss in the first leg, but their pride will be at stake in the reverse fixture. Head coach Joonas Rantanen is widely expected to shuffle his pack this time out, with all Kanga, Ulundu, Ala-Myllymaki, and Hytonen pushing for a start.
The Miners, on the other hand, have big ambitions for the 2025/2026 Europa League campaign. Shakhtar Donetsk are with one foot in the second qualifying round, but they'll still be pushing for a win on Thursday to boost Ukraine's coefficient in European competitions. With David facing Goliath at Tammelan Stadion, anything but a routine away win would be a big surprise. Arda Turan is expected to mix the squad as well, with all Pedrinho, Newerton, and Tobias pushing for recalls.
Highlighted Team (Shakhtar Donetsk):
Despite the fact that they were founded back in 1936, Shakhtar Donetsk were struggling to win the Ukrainian Premier League trophy until 2002. The Miners have established themselves as the dominant force in Ukrainian football and it has to be noted that they won their ninth domestic trophy in 2014.
Shakhtar Donetsk were playing at Donbass Arena in the past, but due to war in Donbass the club temporarily moved to Arena Lviv. In 2009 the Miners won the UEFA Cup trophy under Romanian boss Mircea Lucescu, beating Werder Bremen in the title game. Croatian full back Dario Srna was named the man of the match. Dynamo Kiev are considered Shakhtar Donetsk’s main rivals and there have always been fireworks in meetings between the two sides.
Shakhtar have a rivalry with Metalurh Donetsk as well and the two local rivals face each other in the Donetsk Derby. Chelsea ace Willian, Manchester United star Mkhitaryan and Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho all played for Shakhtar in the past.
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Iberia 1999
RFS
Levadia
Shkendija
TNS
Inter Escaldes
FCSB
Zrinjski
Virtus
