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The UEFA Champions League is back in action with another round of matches this week as Shakhtar Donetsk lock horns with Xavi's Barcelona side in an important encounter at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Wednesday.
Barcelona vs Shakhtar Donetsk Preview
Shakhtar Donetsk are currently in third place in the Ukrainian Premier League standings and have not been at their best so far this season. The away side eased past LNZ by a comfortable 3-0 scoreline over the weekend and will be confident ahead of this match.
Barcelona are also in third place in the La Liga table at the moment and have been fairly impressive so far this season. The Catalan giants edged Athletic Bilbao to a crucial 1-0 victory in their previous game and will look to take it up a notch this week.
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Barcelona vs Shakhtar Donetsk Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- Barcelona have an impressive historical record against Shakhtar Donetsk in European competitions and have won four out of the six matches played between the two teams, as opposed to Shakhtar Donetsk's two victories.
- Barcelona have won six out of their nine matches against Shakhtar Donetsk in all competitions and have one each of their last three matches against the Ukrainian side.
- Shakhtar Donetsk have lost three of their four matches away from home against Barcelona in all competitions, with their only victory coming by a 3-2 scoreline in the group stage of the 2008-09 UEFA Champions League campaign.
- Shakhtar Donetsk won their previous game in the UEFA Champions League by a 3-2 scoreline against Royal Antwerp and managed to end a winless run of six matches in the competition.
Barcelona vs Shakhtar Donetsk Prediction
Barcelona have an impressive historical record against Shakhtar Donetsk but will have to make the most of their fairly depleted squad going into this game. The likes of Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres have stepped up to the plate this season and will need to make their mark on the European stage this week.
Shakhtar Donetsk can pack a punch on their day but will be up against a formidable opponent on Wednesday. Barcelona are the better team on paper and hold the upper hand going into this game.
Prediction: Barcelona 2-0 Shakhtar Donetsk
Barcelona vs Shakhtar Donetsk Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result - Barcelona to win
Tip 2: Game to have over 2.5 goals - No
Tip 3: Barcelona to keep a clean sheet - Yes
Tip 4: Lamine Yamal to score - Yes
