Match Overview and Preview
The second leg of the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 qualification play-off between Swiss side Servette and Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk is scheduled for August 28 at the Stade de Genève. The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw. This preview offers a comprehensive prediction, betting odds, and key statistics for the Servette vs Shakhtar Donetsk encounter.Servette
Servette’s First Leg Performance
Jocelyn Gourvennec’s men were content with the outcome of the first leg, having managed to secure a draw against a strong opponent away from home. The Swiss side even managed to score an early goal, but they couldn’t hold on to their lead, resulting in a 1-1 draw. Now, the team needs to win within 90 minutes to advance to the main round of the Conference League. Interestingly, they failed to do so last season, when Servette lost to Chelsea (2-1 and 0-2) in the play-off round.
Servette’s Recent European Form
- The club has failed to win in regular time in 9 of their last 11 European matches (4 draws and 5 losses).
- A maximum of three goals were scored within 90 minutes in 11 of Servette’s previous 13 European matches.
- At home, the Swiss side has secured only 1 victory in regular time in their last 7 European fixtures (3 draws and 3 losses).
Predicted Servette Lineup (5-3-2)*
Joël Mall – Anthony Baron, Bradley Mazikou, Dylan Bronn, Lilian Nyo, Loan Srdanović – Lamine Fomba, Timothé Cognat, Alexis Antunes – Kévin Varela, Miroslav Stevanović.
Shakhtar Donetsk
Shakhtar Donetsk’s European Journey
The Ukrainians were unfortunate with their finishing in the first encounter. Arda Turan’s charges dominated with 71% possession, outshot their opponents 23:2, and also held a significant advantage in corners at 14:3, yet they only managed to score 1 goal. Consequently, the Miners’ unbeaten run in regular time in European competitions has extended to 7 matches (3 wins and 4 draws). Now, the Donbas side faces the challenge of securing an away victory, or extra time will be required if the match ends in another draw.
Shakhtar’s Key Statistics
- A maximum of two goals were scored in Shakhtar’s 4 previous European matches.
- The Ukrainians have conceded no more than 1 goal within 90 minutes in 6 of their last 7 European fixtures.
- In their last 10 away games in European competitions, the Miners have secured only 1 victory (3 draws and 6 losses).
Predicted Shakhtar Donetsk Lineup (4-5-1)*
Dmytro Riznyk – Mykola Matviyenko, Pedro Henrique Azevedo, Valeriy Bondar, Vinicius Tobias – Allison Santana, Marlon Gomes, Georgiy Sudakov, Newerton, Pedrinho – Kauan Elias.Referee
The Man in the Middle
Guillermo Cuadra Fernández (Spain)
Referee Statistics
Matches officiated – 8 (International matches, 2023/24–2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 38;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.8;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 25;
Penalties awarded – 50%.
Match Prediction: Servette – Shakhtar Donetsk
Match Analysis and Outlook
Servette was arguably fortunate in the first leg. The Ukrainian side demonstrated clear superiority, but a lack of precision in finishing their attacks proved costly. In the return fixture, I anticipate an easier task for the Miners, as the hosts will likely push forward more, creating opportunities for the Ukrainian club to exploit on the counter.
Shakhtar’s Determination and Servette’s Home Woes
Shakhtar has yet to lose a single match in the current European season, despite finding themselves in the third-tier European competition. The team has no room for error, with their reputation on the line. Servette is not a particularly strong club and has failed to win in 6 of their last 7 home European fixtures. Furthermore, in this series of home matches, they have scored more than one goal only once.
Final Betting Pick
My prediction is a “Shakhtar Donetsk Victory” with odds of 1.80 
Prediction Author
Author: Oleksandr Oleksenko
Mark Thompson