Pre-Match Thread: Shakhtar Donetsk vs Barcelona [Champions League]

#Match Information:

 

**Match**: [](#shakhtar) Shakhtar Donetsk vs Barcelona [](#barcelona)

**Competition**: Champions League

**Date**: Tuesday, 7th of November 2023

**Time**: 18:45 CET / 12:45 EST – [Convert to local time](https://www.time.is/1699379100)

**Venue**: [Volksparkstadion, Hamburg (Germany)](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/03/HH_imtech_arena.jpg) – 51500 capacity

**Referee**: TBD

 

#Lineups and Squads:

 

[](#barcelona) **Barcelona** – [Official squad confirmed](https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/1721149404118212951/photo/1)

**GK**: Ter Stegen, Iñaki Peña, **Ander Astralaga**

**DEF**: João Cancelo, Álex Baldé, Araújo, Íñigo Martínez, Christensen, Alonso, Koundé

**MID**: Gavi, Pedri, Oriol Romeu, ~~Sergi Roberto~~, ~~Frenkie~~, Gündoğan, **Casadó**, **Fermín López**

**ATT**: Ferran Torres, Lewandowski, Raphinha, João Félix, **Lamine Yamal**

**Unavailable**: Sergi Roberto, Frenkie (injured)

**Not called**:

 

[](#shakhtar) **Shakhtar Donetsk** – Official squad to be confirmed

**GK**: Artur Rudko, Tymur Puzankov, Dmytro Riznyk, Denys Tvardovskyi

**DEF**: Stav Lamkin, Valeriy Bondar, G. Gocholeishvili, Irakli Azarovi, Dmytro Chygrynskiy, Mykola Matviyenko, Pedro Henrique Azevedo Pereira, Novatus Dismas, ~~Yukhym Konoplia~~, Eduard Kozik, Yaroslav Rakitskiy

**MID**: Denil Castillo, Taras Stepanenko, Dmytro Kryskiv, Heorhii Sudakov, Artem Bondarenko, Oleh Ocheretko, Egor Nazaryna

**ATT**: Lassina Traore, Eguinaldo de Sousa Lemos, Maryan Shved, Oleksandr Zubkov, Danylo Sikan, Bogdan V’Yunnik, Kevin Jesús Kelsy Genez, Dmytro Topalov, Ivan Petryak, Newertton Martins da Silva, Khusrav Toirov, Oleksii Kashchuk

**Unavailable**: Yukhym Konoplia (suspended)

**Not called**:

 

#Form guide:

 

**Shakhtar Donetsk**

– **Form**: **[W]** W L W W

– **Goals scored**: 10

– **Goals conceded**: 2

– **Last match**: Dinamo Kiev 0:1 Shakhtar Donetsk – Ukrainian Premier League

**Barcelona**

– **Form**: **[W]** L W W D

– **Goals scored**: 7

– **Goals conceded**: 5

– **Last match**: Real Sociedad 0:1 FC Barcelona – La Liga

 

#Head-to-head:

 

– **Last meeting**: FC Barcelona 2:1 Shakhtar Donetsk

– **Date**: Wednesday, 25th of October 2023, 18:45 CEST

– **Competition**: Champions League

– **Threads**: [Pre-match thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/Barca/comments/17fjxdm/prematch_thread_barcelona_vs_shakhtar_donetsk/) | [Match thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/Barca/comments/17g9byv/match_thread_barcelona_vs_shakhtar_donetsk/) | [Post-match thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/Barca/comments/17gbzqz/postmatch_thread_barcelona_vs_shakhtar_donetsk_ucl/)

– **Highlights**: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MogreRbJzWc&pp=ygUhRkMgQmFyY2Vsb25hIDI6MSBTaGFraHRhciBEb25ldHNr

 

#Comments (Post-match thread):

 

Author: **FluffyCoconut** | Score: **262** pts | **[Source](https://reddit.com/r/Barca/comments/17gbzqz/postmatch_thread_barcelona_vs_shakhtar_donetsk_ucl/k6fk38n/)**

> The scoreline is unfair to the performance. Yes, some 15 minutes were tough but no CL match is easy. We had lots of chances, two close offside goals and a penalty not given. We also play with a lot of unexperience in the squad, very tired legs and our best players injured.

> If the penalty gets given and we score, Shakhtar is pretty much dead. One lucky counter like their goal and the momentum completely shifts in their favour.

> 3 points, CL win money, and Ferran + Fermin confidence boosts are all Ws

Author: **nyse125** | Score: **213** pts | **[Source](https://reddit.com/r/Barca/comments/17gbzqz/postmatch_thread_barcelona_vs_shakhtar_donetsk_ucl/k6fjvn1/)**

> I’m just glad our UCL campaign is already miles better than last season

Author: **No-Personality5057** | Score: **185** pts | **[Source](https://reddit.com/r/Barca/comments/17gbzqz/postmatch_thread_barcelona_vs_shakhtar_donetsk_ucl/k6fk1q4/)**

> For the love of God, let Gundo take a free kick or two. Araujo’s free kick had me creasing lmao

Author: **oszlopkaktusz** | Score: **141** pts | **[Source](https://reddit.com/r/Barca/comments/17gbzqz/postmatch_thread_barcelona_vs_shakhtar_donetsk_ucl/k6fjia9/)**

> Positives:
> – Fermín
> – 3 million Euros
> – 3 points
> – 2 points for the Club World Cup
> – I don’t need to watch this game anymore

> Negatives:
> – the entire second half
> – 0 brain cell decision making, refusing to shoot the clearest of chances and passing horizontally instead
> – Cancelo, Gündogan and Araujo having to play all 90
> – possible Felix injury (yes, “just a blow”, which is exactly how Lewy and Kounde started as well)

Author: **ExBenn** | Score: **92** pts | **[Source](https://reddit.com/r/Barca/comments/17gbzqz/postmatch_thread_barcelona_vs_shakhtar_donetsk_ucl/k6fkjlm/)**

> CBs line breaking passes are so vital. Fermin’s goal came from another Iñigo great pass. With him and Christensen we can cook something good, liking the depth of our CBs.

Author: **Daed_Wings** | Score: **35** pts | **[Source](https://reddit.com/r/Barca/comments/17gbzqz/postmatch_thread_barcelona_vs_shakhtar_donetsk_ucl/k6fk3dp/)**

> Shakhtar ran out of gas more in the end which was a good thing. They did the time wasting for us, and you can see the tired frustration on them when they conceded possession. (like comms trying to hype up by a Shakhtar attack only to get stopped midway because Shakhtar already gave the ball back)

> We had a good first half, and I think the 2nd half showed is how some of them may get exploited on defense like Romeu not having the legs to chase back.

> Also quite funny and interesting that its the two lads, Yamal and Fermin, having their shirts requested by the Shakhtar players.

> Finally, hopefully Ferran’s rib and Joao Felix will be fine. Xavi might as well manage the youth team if its something worse for two.

Author: **TrueCooler** | Score: **35** pts | **[Source](https://reddit.com/r/Barca/comments/17gbzqz/postmatch_thread_barcelona_vs_shakhtar_donetsk_ucl/k6fktzj/)**

> La Masia and inshallah

Author: **LanceOfKnights** | Score: **32** pts | **[Source](https://reddit.com/r/Barca/comments/17gbzqz/postmatch_thread_barcelona_vs_shakhtar_donetsk_ucl/k6fjvr7/)**

> Decent first half. Shockingly bad second half. A win is a win. But heading into Clasico, only confidence we are going for, is the Clasico records ..that’s it.

Author: **aliaisbiggae** | Score: **30** pts | **[Source](https://reddit.com/r/Barca/comments/17gbzqz/postmatch_thread_barcelona_vs_shakhtar_donetsk_ucl/k6fk6d3/)**

> Complete dominance over them until their first goal. Things got shaky after that to say the least. We should have scored at least 4 goals today

Author: **mojojojo1108** | Score: **25** pts | **[Source](https://reddit.com/r/Barca/comments/17gbzqz/postmatch_thread_barcelona_vs_shakhtar_donetsk_ucl/k6fls9g/)**

> Fermin is a star in the making

Author: **Allstate85** | Score: **24** pts | **[Source](https://reddit.com/r/Barca/comments/17gbzqz/postmatch_thread_barcelona_vs_shakhtar_donetsk_ucl/k6fk8zz/)**

> Way to casually in the second half, which I can kind of understand with el Classico next up. The issue is we needed to make subs to bring some energy but we basically didn’t have anybody on the bench that could come on.

Author: **jedi168** | Score: **24** pts | **[Source](https://reddit.com/r/Barca/comments/17gbzqz/postmatch_thread_barcelona_vs_shakhtar_donetsk_ucl/k6fks1v/)**

> 3 games in the champions League. Three wins. Top of the group. There’s not much to complain about there.

Author: **Novel_Specific7769** | Score: **24** pts | **[Source](https://reddit.com/r/Barca/comments/17gbzqz/postmatch_thread_barcelona_vs_shakhtar_donetsk_ucl/k6fndmz/)**

> 💰3 wins in 3 games means Barça have made an extra €8.4m from the UEFA Champions League already.

> A draw in the next match, which is away vs Shakhtar in Hamburg, will be enough to seal Barcelona’s progression to the Round of 16 of the Champions League. 🏁

Author: **LakeEnd** | Score: **20** pts | **[Source](https://reddit.com/r/Barca/comments/17gbzqz/postmatch_thread_barcelona_vs_shakhtar_donetsk_ucl/k6fwpgd/)**

> That one dude who kicked Ferran to the ribs deserves a direct red, no intention of playing the ball just to kick Ferran so he stops.

Author: **Raicooof** | Score: **20** pts | **[Source](https://reddit.com/r/Barca/comments/17gbzqz/postmatch_thread_barcelona_vs_shakhtar_donetsk_ucl/k6fjsmp/)**

> we are out of the group stage!!!!

> ​

> edit: ok nvm i lied theres still a chance we arent

Author: **RiseAgainstTheOdds** | Score: **18** pts | **[Source](https://reddit.com/r/Barca/comments/17gbzqz/postmatch_thread_barcelona_vs_shakhtar_donetsk_ucl/k6fjosr/)**

> Oriol Romeu should not be allowed anywhere near Clasico. Guy can’t run for life !!

> Also, at this rate, Barca B will be in action against RM. Hope Felix and Cancelo have not become victims to fatigue.

> And a win is a win !!

> Edit – the mentality in the second half leading to the opposition goal gave me flashbacks to the Bayern game.

Author: **Viewsfrom125th** | Score: **14** pts | **[Source](https://reddit.com/r/Barca/comments/17gbzqz/postmatch_thread_barcelona_vs_shakhtar_donetsk_ucl/k6fu5xt/)**

> How good is Fermin?! I’m loving what I’m seeing from him. ABSOLUTE CRAQUE ❤️💙

Author: **No-Personality5057** | Score: **11** pts | **[Source](https://reddit.com/r/Barca/comments/17gbzqz/postmatch_thread_barcelona_vs_shakhtar_donetsk_ucl/k6fkpwj/)**

> We did everything today but finish. Even with so many injuries we were still able to create so many chances suggests that we’re improving. Just the end product is required and we’re flying high. We trust in XAVIBALL. VISCA BARCA🔵🔴

Author: **BrightenedCorner** | Score: **8** pts | **[Source](https://reddit.com/r/Barca/comments/17gbzqz/postmatch_thread_barcelona_vs_shakhtar_donetsk_ucl/k6fkaz6/)**

> Second half was absolutely shocking outside of a ten minute stretch, first half was great.

> Hopefully Felix is okay

Author: **GaviFPS** | Score: **8** pts | **[Source](https://reddit.com/r/Barca/comments/17gbzqz/postmatch_thread_barcelona_vs_shakhtar_donetsk_ucl/k6fm6kl/)**

> Looked like a perfect game after first half. Early 2-0 lead, everything leading up to some rest for key players. But ends up like a chaotic mess rest of the gam

> At least we get some talents out there today regardless, so that is the bright side. Not like Xavi had much choice. But definitely would have liked to prevent a nailbiter last 45 min. Looks like proper lack of focus or probably a attempt to slow it down to save energy that caused such eruption in the team. Which eventually backfired.

> But 3p, and a step closer. So can’t really complain too much. But it wasn’t a good second half.

Author: **agayyoucantsweatout** | Score: **6** pts | **[Source](https://reddit.com/r/Barca/comments/17gbzqz/postmatch_thread_barcelona_vs_shakhtar_donetsk_ucl/k6fkwrw/)**

> Should’ve scored a lot more, team was both wasteful and unlucky. Played a great first half, but completely switched off in the second half. Made it way harder for ourselves than it needed to be, but a lot of things were going against us, so I can’t be too upset about the performance especially considering we pulled out a win. Fermin, what a baller. We are so lucky to have him. One more draw / win for qualification, let’s focus on El Clásico now 🔥. FORCA BARÇA

 

#Quotes:

 

 

#Latest News:

 

[[Squad] – The squad for the trip to Hamburg](https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/football/first-team/news/3769593/the-squad-for-the-trip-to-hamburg) – **fcbarcelona.com**

[[Article] – Sixth European fixture on neutral territory](https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/news/3762239/sixth-european-fixture-on-neutral-territory) – **fcbarcelona.com**

[[Article] – When and where to watch Shakhtar Donetsk v FC Barcelona](https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/football/first-team/news/3764971/when-and-where-to-watch-shakhtar-donetsk-v-fc-barcelona) – **fcbarcelona.com**

 

#TV/Online:

 

**[Livesoccertv](https://www.livesoccertv.com/match/4786587/shakhtar-donetsk-vs-barcelona/)** | **[Liveonsat](https://liveonsat.com/club-uefa-champions-league.php)** | **[FCBarcelona.com](https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/football/first-team/news/3764971/when-and-where-to-watch-shakhtar-donetsk-v-fc-barcelona)**

 

by decho