Match Details & Team Information
•Jul 10 • 18:00 UTCShakhtar Donetsk
Ilves
Shakhtar Donetsk is a prominent Ukrainian football club, finishing 3rd in the Ukrainian Premier League (UPL) during the 2024-2025 season with 62 points from 30 matches, securing a spot in the UEFA Europa League Qualifiers. [19, 31, 37, 43] They are known for their attacking style of play, often leveraging technical players and fluid movements. The team has adapted to playing away from their home city due to ongoing conflict in Ukraine. [40]
Tactical Notes
Shakhtar Donetsk typically employs an attacking tactical approach, emphasizing ball possession and creating numerous goal-scoring opportunities. They often utilize wide players and quick transitions to break down opponents. Their recent results show a mix of high-scoring wins and tight draws, indicating a solid defense alongside their potent attack.
Key Players
Ilves is a Finnish football club competing in the Veikkausliiga, the top tier of Finnish football. They finished the 2025 Veikkausliiga season in 3rd place with 25 points from 13 matches, recording 8 wins, 1 draw, and 4 defeats. [13, 17, 21] Ilves has a strong attacking record, scoring 30 goals while conceding 15 in the league, showcasing a balanced performance. [21]
Tactical Notes
Under coach Joonas Rantanen, Ilves adopts an aggressive yet disciplined tactical approach. They focus on maintaining possession, utilizing width to stretch defenses, and employing effective pressing. Their home advantage is often a key factor, though this match is at a neutral venue. [21, 22, 23, 34]
Key Players
Shakhtar Donetsk are strong favorites to win this UEFA Europa League qualifying match against Ilves. Their superior league standing, recent form, and extensive European experience position them well for a comfortable victory. While Ilves has shown good form in their domestic league, the step up in competition quality is significant. Shakhtar's attacking strength is likely to overpower Ilves's defense, and they are expected to keep a clean sheet, leading to a predicted scoreline of 2-0 or 3-0 in favor of the home side.