Servette — Shakhtar Donetsk : Match Preview and Prediction for August 28,2025

Servette’s Disastrous European Campaign

To say that Servette has been simply terrible this season is an understatement. The Swiss side began their European campaign in the second round of Champions League qualification against Viktoria Plzen. After an away win in the first leg (1-0), it seemed they would surely hold onto their advantage at home. However, things turned out quite differently. The hosts completely faltered in that match, losing 1-3 and dropping into the Europa League. There, the situation was even worse, as Jocelyn Gourvennec’s men couldn’t put up any resistance in either of their two encounters against Utrecht, losing 1-3 and 1-2. Against Shakhtar Donetsk, they were also widely considered underdogs. Despite this, Servette miraculously managed not only to take the lead but also to secure a draw (1-1). It’s worth noting that the Swiss team had only two shots on goal throughout the entire match, while the ‘Miners’ had 26 (8 on target)!

Domestic Form: A Pointless Struggle

In the Swiss Super League, things are equally dismal. The hosts have managed to collect only one point from a possible nine: against Young Boys (1-3), St. Gallen (1-4), and Grasshopper (1-1). Their only victory in domestic competitions was recorded in a cup match against humble Dardania (5-0). This match doesn’t even warrant serious consideration.

Grim Statistics for Gourvennec’s Squad

Excluding the Swiss Cup encounter, Gourvennec’s squad has managed just one win, two draws, and five losses with an overall goal difference of 8-17! This paints a truly bleak picture.

Shakhtar’s Fading European Hopes

Just recently, Shakhtar Donetsk was a clear contender to reach the main stage of the Europa League, and now they are just one step away from being completely eliminated from European competitions.

A Tumultuous Path Through European Qualifiers

The ‘Miners’ confidently navigated the first two qualification rounds of the Europa League, experiencing no problems whatsoever against both Ilves (6-0, 0-0) and even Besiktas (4-2, 2-0). In the third stage, they faced Panathinaikos, who had previously been knocked out of the Champions League by Rangers. The Ukrainians played on equal terms in Greece and secured a goalless draw, which suited them well. In Slovenia, Arda Turan’s side dominated possession and should have won. However, Ochereťko received an unnecessary red card. Although replays showed it was a clean tackle on the ball, VAR wouldn’t have overturned it as it was a second yellow. Even with a man advantage, the Greeks played cautiously and held on for a penalty shootout, where luck, unfortunately, was on their side. Finding themselves in the Conference League, Shakhtar were clear favorites in their first match against Servette. But once again, luck favored the Swiss. As mentioned earlier, Turan’s team had 26 shots, 8 on target, and delivered 14 corners, while the visitors only managed two shots.

Mixed Fortunes in the UPL

In the Ukrainian Premier League (UPL), things are looking somewhat better, despite a 3-3 draw with Karpaty, as they secured victories over Epicenter (1-0) and Veres (2-0).