One of the most compelling fixtures in the UEFA Europa Conference League playoff round is set for Thursday, August 28, at the Stade de Genève, where Servette will host Shakhtar Donetsk. With the first leg ending in a tense 1-1 draw, everything is on the line in this decisive return leg. Goals are expected—and they may come in abundance.
Match Preview
Servette enter the second leg boasting impressive attacking consistency. The Swiss outfit have scored in 12 straight official matches, highlighting their ability to create and convert chances through dynamic wing play and rapid transitions. However, that attacking intent comes at a price—they’ve conceded 11 goals in their last six outings, underscoring their ongoing defensive vulnerabilities.
Backed by a home crowd, Servette are likely to adopt a high-tempo, aggressive style, looking to exploit space and press high up the pitch. Their key to success will be finding the right balance between risk and caution, especially against a side as tactically mature as their Ukrainian opponents.
Shakhtar Donetsk dominated the first leg statistically—with 71% possession and 23 shots—but failed to convert their control into a decisive result. Still, the Ukrainian side remain unbeaten in their last seven European games and bring a wealth of experience from years at the top level, particularly in continental competition.
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The Miners will aim to impose their signature style: patient build-up, sharp midfield control, and well-timed attacking bursts. If they can maintain their finishing composure and stay solid at the back, Shakhtar have a clear path to the group stage.
The visitors are also in good domestic form, having recently secured a 2-0 away win over Veres, boosting confidence ahead of this crucial clash.
Servette vs Shakhtar Donetsk Head-toHead (Key Match Facts)
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First leg ended 1-1, with both sides showing attacking intent
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Servette have scored in 12 consecutive official matches
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Shakhtar are unbeaten in their last 7 European games
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Shakhtar had 71% possession and 23 shots in the first leg
Servette vs Shakhtar Donetsk Lineups (Probable)
Servette: Joël Mall; Anthony Baron, Bradley Mazikou, Dylan Bronn, Lounes Srdanovic; Lamine Fomba, Timothé Cognat; Alexis Antunes, Miroslav Stevanovic, Giotto Morandi; Keyan Varela
Shakhtar Donetsk: Dmytro Riznyk; Mykola Matviienko, Pedro Henrique Azevedo, Valeriy Bondar, Yefym Konoplia; Oleh Ocheretko, Artem Bondarenko, Heorhiy Sudakov; Nevertton, Pedrinho, Alisson
Servette vs Shakhtar Donetsk Prediction and Betting Tip
This fixture has all the ingredients for another high-tempo, end-to-end affair. Servette will push forward with intensity, seeking an early advantage, while Shakhtar Donetsk’s experience and quality in possession make them a serious threat on the counter and in controlled phases.
Both teams have shown they can score—and concede—and with the tie finely balanced, expect more goalmouth action.
Best Bet: Both Teams to Score – YES
Odds: 1.60
