Shakhtar Donetsk will face FC Livyi Bereh Kyiv on February 24, 2025, at 16:00 UTC (13:00 Brasília time) at Kyiv's Olympic Stadium. This match marks the 18th round of the Ukrainian Premier League and sees Shakhtar currently sitting third on the table, with Livyi Bereh positioned 14th.
Fans seeking to catch the action can tune in via the OneFootball app, which will provide live coverage of this exciting encounter. The stakes are high, as Shakhtar strives to ascend the rankings, aiming for the title, but Livyi Bereh fights hard to steer clear of the relegation battle.
The anticipation for the match is palpable, as analysts indicate Shakhtar's strong favoritism to win, with Forebet predicting a 2-0 outcome favoring them, having assessed the team's current form at 65%. Oddspedia complements this forecast with odds demonstrating Shakhtar as the likely winners at 1.11, contrasting with Livyi Bereh's odds of 39.00.
Despite the absence of the official team lineup disclosure, it is expected Shakhtar's coach will field the usual starting squad, recognizing the match's importance for keeping pace at the top of the table. Similarly, Livyi Bereh will likely deploy their standard formation as they aim to surprise their adversaries.
This match will be only the second encounter between these teams; the first was on August 18, 2024, when Shakhtar narrowly triumphed 1-0 away, thanks to Lassina Traoré's decisive goal. The need for Livyi Bereh to secure points is dire, making this match pivotal for their season.
Shakhtar Donetsk boasts an impressive record, having won 10 of their last 16 league matches and showcasing their offensive prowess with 41 goals scored, averaging over two and a half goals per match. Their recent performances include victories against Brest and Vorskla, as well as draws and one loss to Bayern Munich, reflecting their aim to reclaim the league title.
On the other hand, Livyi Bereh's record is more troubling, with only 17 points from 17 matches, marking their inaugural season at this level of Ukrainian football. The team must rally to avoid slipping back down the league.
The significance of this match transcends mere points; it's about reputation and survival for Livyi Bereh as they strive to establish themselves among the giants of Ukrainian football. Meanwhile, for Shakhtar, it solidifies their standing as one of the most successful teams, having clinched the Premier League title 14 times and continuing to attract talent, especially Brazilian players.
Looking forward, the match is expected to draw a substantial crowd, particularly because of Shakhtar's immense fanbase and Livyi Bereh's urgent need to improve their league standing. Tickets remain available both at the Olympic Stadium's box offices and online, indicating the high demand for such matches.
Conditions on match day appear favorable, with clear skies and temperatures around 3°C, conducive for both teams to play effectively.
The experienced refereeing team chosen for this encounter is poised to maintain the intensity and fairness of the game. Their role is especially important with the match's potential impact on both clubs' seasons.
Both teams have key players to watch. For Shakhtar, Traoré stands out as the leading scorer with 12 goals this season. Livyi Bereh's Danyil Sukhoruchko, tallying four goals, offers hope for improvement and effort on the pitch.
This match promises to be more than just another addition to the league's calendar; it sparks intrigue and anticipation as both teams push for their respective goals — one for glory and stability and the other for survival.