Shakhtar Donetsk vs Genk Prediction & Betting Tips - Champions League

Prediction published on 07/08/2021, 14:34  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 07/08/2021 at 15:35 in Champions League Prediction

Shakhtar Donetsk host Genk in the second leg of their Champions League third qualifying round tie. They have a 2-1 lead from the first leg played last week, so Shakhtar will be rather disappointed if not making it into the play-off round. The winners of this tie face either Slavia Prague or Monaco (who lead 2-0 after the first leg) for a place in the group stages. Shakhtar are attempting to make it into the group stages for the fifth season in a row.  They usually end up being transferred to the Europa League and two seasons ago, reached the semi-final of that competition. Shakhtar went behind in the first leg in Belgium but two second half goals gave them a good lead going into this home second leg. Shakhtar had a weird time in the 2020/21 Champions League, beating Real Madrid twice in their group but still failing to make it into the knockout stages. The win over Real ended a run of eight home Champions League games without a win but against much better opposition than Genk. They also drew at home with Inter last season.

Genk haven't made a good start to their new domestic campaign. The Belgian side are

Only once since 2011 have Genk made it to the group stages of the Champions League. Their last appearance was in 2019/20 when they finished bottom below Napoli, Liverpool and Red Bull Salzburg, losing all their games bar a home match against Napoli with 12 goals conceded in their three away matches. Of 22 games played in the Champons League, only five have been won. The last of those was in 2011 with no wins in the last 13 and the last five lost. The last seven on the road have been lost with 28 goals conceded.