Shakhtar Donetsk vs Rijeka Prediction & Betting Tips

Shakhtar Donetsk vs Rijeka Match Preview

Shakhtar Donetsk return to Conference League action with a strong attacking rhythm that has defined their recent run. Their matches have developed into open contests, often accelerating after the break.

Rijeka arrive with a more measured profile. While defensively organised, their recent fixtures suggest they can be drawn into stretched games once the first goal shifts momentum.

Shakhtar Donetsk’s Second Half Surge Shapes Games

Shakhtar’s recent Conference League form points toward a side that grows into matches rather than settling them early. A 2-3 win over Aberdeen, 1-2 over Shamrock Rovers and 0-2 over Hamrun all followed a similar pattern, with Shakhtar increasing tempo after half time and finding decisive goals late on. The only exception to that trend came against Breidablik in a controlled 2-0 home win.

At home, results have been volatile but rarely quiet. The 1-2 defeat to Legia Warsaw and the 2-0 win over Breidablik both showed Shakhtar willing to commit numbers forward, sometimes leaving space in transition.

Across the last five matches, they have scored in every game and conceded in three, reinforcing the idea of matches that open up as intensity rises.

Rijeka’s Structure Tested by Rising Tempo

Rijeka’s Conference League results show a team built on discipline and game management. Clean sheets against AEK Larnaca and Sparta Prague highlight their ability to control space early, while the 3-0 win over Celje showed they can capitalise when opponents lose shape.

However, away from home, Rijeka have found it harder to maintain that balance. The 1-1 draw at Lincoln Red Imps and the 1-0 defeat at FC Noah both saw them retreat deeper as matches progressed.

When forced to defend sustained pressure late on, their structure has been tested, which is a concern against a Shakhtar side that raises intensity after the interval.

Shakhtar Donetsk vs Rijeka Prediction

The match setup points toward a contest that becomes increasingly open. Shakhtar’s recent Conference League fixtures have consistently delivered late goals, with over 1.5 goals arriving in the second half in all but one of their matches shown.

Rijeka’s tendency to protect narrow scorelines early often gives way once the first goal lands. Over 1.5 goals in the second half at 2.10 odds fits that recurring pattern.

There is also support for goals at both ends across the full match. Shakhtar have scored in every recent fixture but have not always shut games down defensively, while Rijeka have found the net in three of their last five. Over 2.5 goals and both teams to score at 2.25 odds reflects that balance.

With Shakhtar regularly starting fast at home, them to score first at 1.67 odds aligns with their habit of setting the tempo before matches fully open up.

Peter Green- December 15, 2025

Shakhtar Donetsk vs Rijeka Betting Tips

Over 2.5 goals & Both teams to score

OK

2.25 Odds

Shakhtar Donetsk To Score First

OK

1.67 Odds

Over 1.5 goals - Second Half

OK

2.10 Odds