Europa League Preview: Ilves vs. Shakhtar Donetsk

Ilves Tampere VS FC Shakhtar Donetsk Livescore / H2H stats and Live Streaming
Time:18-07-2025 00:00 Friday
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Match Preview:
The Europa League brings an intriguing encounter to Tammelan Stadion on July 17, 2025, as Finnish side Ilves host Ukrainian giants Shakhtar Donetsk.

Ilves enter this match having experienced a rocky start to their league campaign with one loss, but their home form provides a glimmer of hope, boasting four wins in their last six outings. This home advantage could be crucial as they face a formidable opponent.

Shakhtar Donetsk, known for their strong European pedigree, arrive with a 50% win rate in their last six matches across all competitions. Their away form has seen them register three draws in their last six road trips, suggesting they can be a tough nut to crack even outside their home stadium.

Goals could be on the agenda for this clash. Historically, their solitary previous Europa League meeting saw over 2.5 goals scored. Furthermore, Shakhtar's recent form indicates a propensity for higher-scoring games, with over 2.5 goals occurring in 60% of their last ten matches.

Match Prediction: 
Our pre-match analysis leans towards Shakhtar Donetsk, with an algorithmic prediction of a 50% chance for them to secure the victory. While Ilves will undoubtedly fight hard on home soil, Shakhtar's experience and recent form may just tip the scales in their favor in what promises to be an engaging Europa League fixture.