⚽ Champions League - League phase - Round 1 Preview

📅 18 Sep 2024

⏰ 17:45 GMT +1

🏟 Stadio Renato Dall'Ara (Bologna)

Bologna’s 60-year wait for UEFA Champions League football finally ends after a fifth-place finish in Serie A last season, earning them a spot in Europe’s elite competition for the first time since their Italian title win in 1964. However, the summer departures of key figures, including manager Thiago Motta, have had an impact. Bologna is winless in their opening four Serie A games (D3, L1), extending their winless run to six games overall. They salvaged a 2-2 draw against newly promoted Como at the weekend, boosting morale slightly ahead of their UCL opener.

Shakhtar Donetsk, on the other hand, are no strangers to the Champions League, entering their eighth consecutive main phase. However, their record against Italian teams is less inspiring, with only one win from their last ten matches against Serie A sides (D3, L6). Their last clash with Italian opposition saw them fall 2-0 to Inter Milan in 2021/22. Shakhtar warmed up for this match with an impressive 5-2 win over Karpaty Lviv, marking their third victory in five league games this season, with many high-scoring affairs so far.

Where to watch Bologna vs Shakhtar Donetsk?

📺 Link to watch Bologna vs Shakhtar Donetsk Live Stream on TV

📋 Players to watch: Santiago Castro (Bologna) will be keen to celebrate his 20th birthday with another goal, having scored and assisted in his last two appearances. Artem Bondarenko (Shakhtar Donetsk) is in red-hot form after netting a hat-trick last weekend, with five of his last seven goals coming in the first half.

⚡️ Match Facts: Only one of Shakhtar’s last 23 games has ended in a draw (W18, L4).

💡 Bologna vs Shakhtar Donetsk Prediction

Bologna’s return to the Champions League could be challenging, given their current form and lack of recent European experience. Shakhtar’s greater UCL pedigree and recent high-scoring performances make them a strong contender in this fixture. Expect a tight contest, but Shakhtar's attacking threat could be decisive.

Bologna vs Shakhtar Donetsk Betting Tips

Shakhtar Donetsk to win: Given Bologna’s struggles and Shakhtar's consistent UCL presence, the visitors have the edge.
Over 2.5 goals: Both teams have shown they can be involved in high-scoring matches, making this a solid option.
Artem Bondarenko to score anytime: With his current form, Bondarenko is likely to get on the scoresheet again.

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Bologna vs Shakhtar Donetsk Prediction 18 Sep 2024