Europa League Preliminaries 2025-2026: Shakhtar Donetsk-Besiktas, the likely lineups

On Thursday, July 31, at 8 p.m., at the “Stadion Miejski” in Krakow, the return match of the second qualifying round of the next Europa League between Shakhtar Donetsk and Besiktas will be staged. On the strength of their 4-2 victory in the first leg, the Ukrainian side will start with a clear advantage in view of passing the round. Besiktas, however, has no intention of surrendering and will try to overturn the result, aiming for a feat that would be sensational.

Turan confirms Eguinaldo as the only forward, with Ocheretko and Sudakov behind him. Gomes will act as a screen in front of the defense, made up of the central pair Bondar-Matviienko.

Solskjaer relies on Abraham in attack, supported by Rashica, Rafa Silva and Gedson Fernandes in the three-quarter. In the midfield, Muci is ahead of Kokcu, while in defense Uduokhai will flank Gabriel Paulista.

Probable lineups

Shakhtar Donetsk (4-1-4-1): Riznyk; Konoplia, Bondar, Matviienko, Pedrinho; Gomes; Alisson, Ocheretko, Sudakov, Kevin; Eguinaldo. All. Turan.

Besiktas (4-2-3-1): Günok; Svensson, Gabriel Paulista, Uduokhai, Jurasek; Tiknaz, Muci; Rashica, Rafa Silva, Gedson Fernandes; Abraham. All. Solskjaer.