Borussia Dortmund aim to qualify for the Champions League Round of 16 as they host Shakhtar Donetsk at Signal Iduna Park on Wednesday, January 29. The hosts, currently fourth in their group with four wins and three losses, have already secured a playoff spot despite a 2-1 loss to Bologna in their most recent Champions League match. Meanwhile, Shakhtar sit in fourth place in their group with just two wins, making their qualification for the knockout stage a difficult task.
Dortmund vs Shakhtar Donetsk: Match Preview
Borussia Dortmund have been struggling with poor form, losing four and drawing one of their last five matches across all competitions. They currently have 12 points, just one point behind the final automatic qualification spot for the Round of 16. However, they remain one of the highest-scoring teams in the tournament, with 19 goals so far.
Despite their attacking prowess, Dortmund’s defensive struggles continue, having conceded 13 goals in their last five matches across all competitions, including five in their last two Champions League games. Their home form has also been disappointing, with no wins in their last five matches at Signal Iduna Park (three draws, two losses).
On the other hand, Shakhtar Donetsk have had mixed results, winning two, drawing one, and losing five of their last eight Champions League matches. They are currently three points behind Stuttgart, the last team in the top 16 qualification spots. Shakhtar have struggled both offensively and defensively, especially in away matches, having lost three of their last four away games and eight of their last 12 away games in the Champions League. However, their recent 2-0 win over Brest at home could provide some confidence as they prepare to face Dortmund.
Dortmund vs Shakhtar Donetsk: Head-to-Head
Borussia Dortmund and Shakhtar Donetsk have previously met twice in the UEFA Champions League, both in the 2012-13 season.
| Date | Match | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| 06/03/2013 | Borussia Dortmund 3-0 Shakhtar Donetsk | UCL |
| 14/02/2013 | Shakhtar Donetsk 2-2 Borussia Dortmund | UCL |
Dortmund won the second leg 3-0 to advance to the quarterfinals of the competition.
Dortmund vs Shakhtar Donetsk: Team News and Predicted Lineups
Borussia Dortmund Team News
Borussia Dortmund will be without Felix Nmecha and Niklas Süle, who are sidelined due to injuries. Nico Schlotterbeck is expected to start in central defense alongside Waldemar Anton.
Shakhtar Donetsk Team News
Shakhtar Donetsk will be missing Eguinaldo, who is out until mid-February due to injury.
Dortmund Predicted Lineup
Kobel; Groß, Anton, Schlotterbeck, Ryerson; Beier, Can, Sabitzer; Adeyemi, Guirassy, Bynoe-Gittens
Shakhtar Donetsk Predicted Lineup
Riznyk; Tobias, Bondar, Matviyenko, Azarovi; Gomes, Kryskiv, Sudakov; Pedrinho, Traoré, Kevin
Dortmund vs Shakhtar Donetsk: Where to Watch
Match Day: January 29, 2025
Match Time: 3:00 PM ET
Venue: Signal Iduna Park
TV Broadcast: TNT Sports, Amazon Prime, BBC
Dortmund vs Shakhtar Donetsk: Match Prediction
Given Borussia Dortmund’s recent struggles and Shakhtar Donetsk’s poor away form, the hosts enter this fixture as favorites. Despite Dortmund’s defensive issues and key absences, they boast a stronger squad and a better attacking record. Meanwhile, Shakhtar’s limited attacking threat has contributed to their struggles this season.
Predicted Score: Dortmund 2-1 Shakhtar Donetsk
