FC Shakhtar Donetsk vs Panathinaicos F.C. Prediction 14 August 2025

The Ukrainian champions have already endured a longer-than-usual summer in Europe, starting their campaign in early July. Despite that, they showed their pedigree by brushing aside Ilves (6:0, 0:0) and delivering an impressive double over Besiktas (4:2, 2:0). On the domestic stage, however, the Miners have been less convincing, grinding out a narrow 1:0 win over Epicenter before being held to a thrilling 3:3 draw by Karpaty. 

Panathinaikos, runners-up in Greece last season, are only beginning their 2025/26 journey. Their only major test so far ended in disappointment, as they fell short against Rangers in the Champions League qualifiers (2:0, 1:1). In the first leg against Shakhtar, the Greens managed to hold their own, forcing a draw and leaving the tie delicately poised. 

Yet with home advantage, European momentum, and a squad used to high-stakes matches, Shakhtar should have enough quality and composure to correct earlier mistakes and edge past the resilient Greeks into the main round.

Shakhtar to win 1.72