The UEFA Europa League first qualifying round second leg pits Ilves against Shakhtar Donetsk, a clash that feels like a formality after the Ukrainian side’s 6-0 demolition in the first leg. With Ilves fighting to restore pride on home soil, this match at Tammelan Stadion promises intensity, even if the tie seems decided.
Kickoff is set for 16:00 GMT+0 on July 17, 2025, at Tammelan Stadion in Tampere, Finland, with a capacity of 8,000. The refereeing crew, led by Marc Nagtegaal from the Netherlands, includes assistants Johan Balder and Roy De Nas, with Richard Martens on VAR. This Europa League first qualifying round match sees Shakhtar, under new coach Arda Turan, aiming to seal their progression, while Ilves, led by Joonas Rantanen, hope to leverage their home crowd for a spirited response.
Betting Tips and Match Insights
Get ready for a deep dive into the Ilves vs Shakhtar Donetsk prediction today. Both teams bring distinct strengths, with Ilves thriving in attack in their domestic league and Shakhtar showcasing European pedigree. Recent form, head-to-head clashes, and key player performances will shape this matchup. Expect insights into how Ilves’ home form stacks up against Shakhtar’s attacking flair. Let’s break down the numbers to see what’s at play.
Ilves Results
Ilves have been a force in the Finnish Veikkausliiga, sitting third with a potent attack. Their mid-season rhythm gives them an edge in fitness, but their European experience is limited. Recent matches show their scoring consistency, though defensive lapses have cost them.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | W/L |
| 05/07/2025 | Veikkausliiga | SJK vs Ilves | 1-1 | D |
| 02/07/2025 | Veikkausliiga | Ilves vs KTP Kotka | 2-1 | W |
| 28/06/2025 | Veikkausliiga | Haka vs Ilves | 0-4 | W |
| 18/06/2025 | Veikkausliiga | Ilves vs SJK | 2-3 | L |
| 14/06/2025 | Veikkausliiga | KuPS Kuopio vs Ilves | 0-3 | W |
Ilves’ form is solid, with three wins and a draw in their last five, scoring at least two goals in four of those games. Their 4-0 thrashing of Haka highlights their attacking edge, led by Roope Riski’s seven goals this season. However, the 6-0 loss to Shakhtar exposed defensive frailties against top-tier opposition. Home games at Tammelan Stadion often see them score, with seven of eight matches netting at least two goals. Still, containing Shakhtar’s Brazilian-heavy attack will be a tall order.
Shakhtar Donetsk Results
Shakhtar, a European heavyweight, are kicking off their competitive season under Arda Turan. Their first-leg rout of Ilves showed their firepower, but injuries to key players like Dmytro Kryskiv could test their depth. Pre-season friendlies suggest they’re adapting to Turan’s high-pressing style.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | W/L |
| 10/07/2025 | Europa League | Shakhtar Donetsk vs Ilves | 6-0 | W |
| 06/07/2025 | Friendly | Shakhtar Donetsk vs Slovácko | 1-1 | D |
| 02/07/2025 | Friendly | Shakhtar Donetsk vs Gorica | 1-0 | W |
| 24/05/2025 | Ukrainian Premier League | Rukh Lviv vs Shakhtar Donetsk | 1-1 | D |
| 20/05/2025 | Ukrainian Cup | Shakhtar Donetsk vs Vorskla | 2-1 | W |
Shakhtar’s 6-0 win over Ilves was a statement, with Alisson Santana’s brace and goals from Kaua Elias, Kevin, Pedrinho, and Newerton showcasing their depth. Their unbeaten run stretches to seven games, though draws in friendlies hint at occasional rustiness. Scoring in every home game since October 2024, they’re lethal going forward. However, only one clean sheet in their last five competitive home games suggests Ilves might find the net. Turan’s rotations could temper their dominance but not their intent.
Ilves vs Shakhtar Donetsk Head-to-Head Results
This is only the second meeting between Ilves and Shakhtar, with no prior history before the first leg. Shakhtar’s dominance in Ljubljana set a high bar for Ilves to overcome. Let’s look at their sole encounter.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result |
| 10/07/2025 | Europa League | Shakhtar Donetsk vs Ilves | 6-0 |
The 6-0 first-leg result reflects Shakhtar’s superior quality, with Ilves unable to cope with their pace and precision. Ilves’ home advantage might spark a response, but repeating that scoreline seems unlikely given Shakhtar’s depth.
Predicted Lineups for Ilves vs Shakhtar Donetsk Football Match
As we gear up for the Ilves vs Shakhtar Donetsk match prediction today, knowing the likely starting elevens is crucial for understanding how this Europa League second-leg clash on July 17, 2025, might unfold. Ilves, buoyed by their home crowd at Tammelan Stadion, will lean on their attacking stars, while Shakhtar, with a 6-0 lead from the first leg, may rotate to manage squad freshness ahead of tougher fixtures. Below are the predicted lineups for both teams, factoring in injuries, form, and tactical approaches.
Ilves Predicted Lineup
With Joonas Rantanen aiming to restore pride after a heavy first-leg defeat, Ilves will likely field their strongest attacking side to exploit home advantage.
Virtanen (GK), Rale (DF), Väisänen (DF), Mäenpää (DF), Wallius (DF), Veteli (MF), Popovitch (MF), Söderbäck (MF), Stjopin (MF), Roope Riski (FW), Jukkola (FW)
Shakhtar Donetsk Predicted Lineup
Arda Turan, with the tie nearly secured, may rotate key players but still field a formidable side to maintain momentum in this Europa League campaign.
Riznyk (GK), Konoplia (DF), Bondar (DF), Marlon (DF), Matviyenko (DF), Bondarenko (MF), Sudakov (MF), Alisson Santana (MF), Kevin (MF), Pedro Henrique (FW), Kauã Elias (FW)
Free Tips on Ilves vs Shakhtar Donetsk
For the Ilves vs Shakhtar Donetsk match prediction, these tips focus on critical statistical and contextual factors to guide your betting decisions. By diving into team and player data, you can uncover edges that shape the outcome of this Europa League clash on July 17, 2025. Here are five key pointers to sharpen your Ilves vs Shakhtar Donetsk betting tips.
- Leverage Head-to-Head Dominance: Shakhtar’s 6-0 thrashing of Ilves in the first leg highlights a massive quality gap, with their Brazilian attackers overwhelming Ilves’ defense. Expect this trend to continue, even with rotations, as Shakhtar’s depth should maintain their edge.
- Focus on Ilves’ Scoring Consistency: Ilves have netted at least two goals in seven of eight home games this season, suggesting they could find the net against a potentially rotated Shakhtar side, making “Both Teams to Score” a solid bet.
- Consider Pitch Dynamics: Tammelan Stadion’s artificial turf could speed up play, favoring Shakhtar’s quick, technical style over Ilves’ more physical approach, potentially leading to more shots and corners.
- Account for Referee Tendencies: Marc Nagtegaal, a relatively lenient referee, averages under 4 cards per game in European matches, so betting on low card totals could offer value.
- Check Shakhtar’s Fixture Load: With a second qualifying round against Beşiktaş looming, Shakhtar may prioritize squad rotation, which could give Ilves a chance to keep the scoreline closer than in the first leg.
Key Factors to Watch
As we approach this Ilves vs Shakhtar Donetsk match prediction, several elements could sway the outcome. Ilves’ home crowd and mid-season sharpness contrast with Shakhtar’s European nous and attacking depth. Here are the critical points to consider:
- Ilves’ Home Form: Seven of eight home games in 2025 saw Ilves score at least twice;
- Shakhtar’s Attack: Their Brazilian contingent, led by Alisson Santana, scored five in the first leg;
- Injuries: Shakhtar miss Diego Arroyo and Dmytro Kryskiv, potentially weakening their midfield;
- Ilves’ Defense: Conceded 17 goals in 15 Veikkausliiga games, but struggled against Shakhtar’s pace;
- Turan’s Rotations: Shakhtar may rest key players, opening chances for Ilves;
- Roope Riski’s Threat: Ilves’ top scorer with seven goals could exploit any defensive lapses;
- Shakhtar’s Away Form: Unbeaten in their last four competitive away games, scoring consistently;
- Crowd Impact: Tammelan Stadion’s 8,000 fans could lift Ilves for a pride-driven effort.
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Ilves vs Shakhtar Donetsk Prediction 2025
For the Ilves vs Shakhtar Donetsk prediction 2025, Shakhtar remain favorites despite playing away. Their 6-0 first-leg win gives them a near-certain path to the next round, allowing Turan to rotate while still fielding a potent side. Ilves, fueled by home support and mid-season match fitness, will push to score, as they’ve done in seven of eight home games. However, Shakhtar’s attacking depth, with players like Alisson and Kaua Elias, should overpower Ilves’ defense, which crumbled in Ljubljana. The Ilves vs Shakhtar Donetsk odds reflect this, heavily favoring the Ukrainians. Ilves’ attacking intent, led by Roope Riski, suggests they’ll find the net, especially with Shakhtar potentially easing off. Both teams scoring is likely, given Shakhtar’s single clean sheet in five home games and Ilves’ home scoring streak. Expect over 2.5 goals, as Ilves’ open style and Shakhtar’s counterattacking threat could lead to a lively scoreline. I predict a 3-1 Shakhtar win, balancing their dominance with Ilves’ home resilience.
Our Prediction: Ilves 1-3 Shakhtar Donetsk
| Prediction Type | Prediction | Odds |
| Match Result | Shakhtar Donetsk Win | 1.44 |
| Both Teams to Score | Yes | 1.77 |
| Total Goals | Over 2.5 | 1.54 |
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