Marseille vs Shakhtar Donetsk
UEFA Europa League
Round of 32
Thursday
22nd February 2024
Orange Velodrome
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the UEFA Europa League fixture between Marseille and Shakhtar Donetsk.
Marseille vs Shakhtar Donetsk: Preview
Marseille form analysis
Marseille’s Europa League campaign highlights an open, attack-minded team liable to concede goals despite their obvious threat going forward. After beating AEK Athens 3-1 at home, Marseille showed their quality again in an incredible 4-3 win over Ajax featuring two Aubameyang penalties. However defensive issues were apparent in a 1-0 defeat away to Brighton. Their knockout tie with Shakhtar Donetsk encapsulated Marseille perfectly – moments of incision including Aubameyang’s away goal mixed with vulnerability at the back, confirmed by the late equaliser they conceded.
Overall, Marseille clearly boasts the attacking weapons to trouble any elite team. However, manager Gennaro Gattuso must address clear defensive weaknesses visible in chaotic matches if belief is to grow from a sustained European run. Achieving better balance between flair and solidity is imperative. If Marseille manage that, their talents could take them far in the competition. But outscoring opponents every week seems an unsustainable approach.
Shakhtar Donetsk form analysis
Shakhtar Donetsk had mixed results in their Champions League group stage matches. They lost 2-1 to Barcelona after taking an early lead, with Ferran Torres and Fermin scoring for Barcelona. However, they defeated Barcelona 1-0 at home thanks to a goal by D. Sikan. Shakhtar also beat Antwerp 1-0 away from home through a M. Matviienko goal in the 12th minute. Their biggest defeat came against Porto, losing 5-3 after being up 2-1 and 3-2, with goals from D. Sikan, an own goal, and Eguinaldo unable to complete the comeback.
Their most recent match was a 2-2 draw against Marseille in the Europa League. Shakhtar twice came from behind, first through a M. Matviienko goal to level and then a 90th minute equalizer by Eguinaldo after going down 1-2 to I. Ndiaye. While results were mixed, Shakhtar showed their ability to score and battle back even in defeats, with young attackers like D. Sikan and Eguinaldo stepping up amidst losses of star players in recent transfer windows. However, defensive lapses have also cost them points against top competition.
