UEFA Champions League: Shakhtar Donetsk vs. Inter Milan Preview, Odds, Prediction

Shakhtar Donetsk and Inter Milan are meeting once again, but this time, not in the Europa, but the Champions League. The two semifinalists from the 2020/21 EL edition now play for points in the second round of the UCL group stage. Unlike Inter, Shakhtar opened the campaign with a big win over Real, while Nerazzurri slipped at home, earning just one point against Borussia Monchengladbach. 

Preview 

Shakhtar (+300) was an underdog in Madrid, yet eventually defeated the great Real. That is why the majority of their fans have a positive feeling before this match, even though the bookies see them as massive outsiders here. 

The finish of the first half against Los Blancos is one of the best sequences in this team’s history. Several experts warned that the hype regarding that game focused on Real’s subpar performances and debates whether that crew has quality or not. After seeing this weekend’s El Clasico derby, that question is solved, we hope. 

What went without notice was Shakhtar’s superb performance, and one very lethal approach to the matters on the field. If you allow Miners to be without pressure for just one moment, things won’t be pleasant.

Stat alert – just once this season, Shakhtar’s matches haven’t seen both teams to score. 

Inter (-110) finally won this Saturday. After three games without a triumph, Nerazzurri defeated Genoa, 0-2 on the road, snapping a negative streak that already made their fans nervous. It was the first match Conte’s team played that didn’t see both teams scoring, and Inter allowing a goal. 

Three weeks ago, they played 1-1 on the road against Lazio, then suffered a defeat against AC Milan in Derby Della Madonnina, before playing just 2-2 against Borussia Monchengladbach at home. 

The latest one was a big blow because Inter counted very much on that victory. Borussia will now have an edge in second fixture matches, which might disrupt Inter’s plans. 

Latest News

Ismaily has a knee injury and won’t be playing. Kovalenko, Kryvtsov, Konoplyanka, and Moraes all have alleged fitness issues, but we expect them to play tomorrow.

Gagliardini, Radu, Alexis Sanches, Skrinar, and Vecino are all out on Inter’s side. Sensi and Ashley Young are questionable.

Head to Head Matches

When someone saw that Inter beat Shakhtar 5-0 in the Europa League semis, he probably thinks that Nerazzurri humiliated the Miners. The truth wasn’t like that. Inter had a 1-0 lead with Shakhtar constantly attacking. Once Italians scored another goal, Shakhtar continued to pressure, wanting to net at least once, which was eventually harshly punished by the Italian team who just waited for counter-attacks. 

Prior to this event, these two clubs met twice also in the UCL, only in the qualifiers’ playoffs. After 0-2 in Ukraine, the rematch in Milan was 1-1.

Prediction

As you saw, both teams play efficient matches, scoring and allowing goals. Their offenses are very talented, while on the other side, the defensive parts are not at the same level. Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals is -110. We strongly believe in another interesting and attractive performance with these two sides involved. Therefore, we suggest focusing on betting on goals.