The tie is virtually over seeing that Barcelona recorded a 5:1 victory in the first leg, but there is no doubt Shakhtar will try everything to at least win this game and end the Champions League campaign on a high. The Catalans, nonetheless, remain the favourites to win this match, and they should, obviously, have no problems reaching the next stage.

Shakhtar on the downtrend

Shakhtar have really impressed in Europe this season, having played some very good football in Europe’s top competition, but they had the misfortune of facing Barcelona in the quarter-finals, which meant they were destined for elimination. Being known as an attack-minded team, Shakhtar didn’t want to discard their playing style just because they were facing Barcelona and that was the main reason for the heavy defeat at Camp Nou. Such a heavy defeat served as a major blow to the players’ confidence, as witnessed by the embarrassing home defeat to Obolon at the weekend, and the hosts will now have problems to enter this game with the right mental approach. There is every chance that Shakhtar will be looking to attack Barcelona as they want to say goodbye to the competition with a win, and, once again, that will only make Barca’s job easier.

Coach Mircea Lucescu rested most of the starters against Obolon and they will now be restored to the starting line-up, although captain Darijo Srna misses out through injury. Dmytro Chygrynskiy is doubtful.

Barca want another victory

Barcelona have virtually secured the passage into the Champions League semi-finals, having won the first leg 5:1, but that doesn’t mean that the Catalans will take this game lightly, as witnessed by Pep Guardiola’s decision to name the strongest squad available. The boss wants his players to record another victory and thus enter the weekend’s La Liga clash with Real Madrid full of confidence, so we can expect very motivated Barcelona in Donetsk. The Catalans recorded fourth straight victory in all competitions as they beat Almeria 3:1 after coming from a goal down in a match that Pep Guardiola used to rest players like Villa, Pedro and Adriano. Young midfielder Thiago Alcantara scored a goal in his second successive start, thus proving his amazing potential, and he is likely to play some part in this match as well.

Andres Iniesta misses out through suspension, while Carles Puyol, Eric Abidal and Bojan are out with injuries. Back-up keeper Jose Manuel Pinto is an injury doubt.

Verdict

Shakhtar have proved their potential at the biggest stage, but they are still not good enough to match a side like Barcelona. The Catalans plan to take this game very seriously and their win in Donetsk shouldn’t come into question, especially as the Ukrainians are struggling for form at the moment.

Our prediction: Away win

Odds: 2.25 (5/4)

Bookmaker: Victor Chandler