Match Details
The match between Shakhtar Donetsk and Barcelona will take place on November 7, 2023, at the Volksparkstadion. This UEFA Champions League Group H match is expected to be an exciting encounter. The odds currently favor Barcelona as the away team with a betting line of 1.29.
Head-to-Head Comparison
These two teams have faced each other once before in the current UEFA Champions League campaign. In their previous encounter, Barcelona emerged victorious with a 2-1 scoreline.
Team Form: Shakhtar Donetsk
Shakhtar Donetsk has had a decent run of form recently, winning four out of their last six matches in all competitions. They have scored a total of ten goals while conceding only two during this period. In their most recent Champions League fixture against Barcelona, they put up a strong fight but ultimately lost by a narrow margin.
In terms of their performance in the group stage, Shakhtar Donetsk currently sits in third place in Group H with three points from three matches played. They have scored five goals but conceded seven so far in the competition.
Their home record in the Champions League has not been impressive this season, having lost their only home game against Barcelona. However, they will be looking to turn things around and secure three valuable points on their own turf.
Team Form: Barcelona
Barcelona has been performing well lately, winning four out of their last six matches away from home across all competitions. They have managed to score eight goals while conceding five during this period.
In the UEFA Champions League group stage, Barcelona currently leads Group H with nine points from three matches played. They have been dominant so far, scoring eight goals and conceding only one.
Barcelona’s away form in the competition has been solid thus far, having won their only away game against FC Porto. They will be aiming to continue their strong run and secure another victory on the road.
Key Players
For Shakhtar Donetsk, Lassina Traoré has been in fine form, scoring two goals in three Champions League appearances. His ability to find the back of the net will be crucial for Shakhtar’s chances against Barcelona.
Barcelona will rely on Robert Lewandowski, who has been exceptional this season, scoring six goals and providing four assists in 11 matches across all competitions. His clinical finishing and link-up play will pose a significant threat to Shakhtar’s defense.
Statistical Insights
Based on recent performances, both teams have shown their attacking prowess, with an average of 1.67 goals scored per match for Shakhtar Donetsk and 1.33 goals scored per match for Barcelona.
Defensively, Barcelona has been more solid, conceding an average of 0.83 goals per match compared to Shakhtar Donetsk’s average of 0.67 goals conceded per match.
In terms of head-to-head encounters between these teams, their previous meeting saw a total of three goals scored. It is worth noting that neither team has consistently produced high-scoring matches recently.
Prediction: Shakhtar Donetsk 1 – 3 Barcelona
Considering the current form and quality of both teams’ squads, it is likely that Barcelona will come out on top in this encounter. Their attacking prowess coupled with a solid defensive record gives them an edge over Shakhtar Donetsk. However, it is important to note that football can be unpredictable at times, and anything can happen during the course of a match.
