The ex-striker of Shakhtar Donetsk, Viktor Grachov, shared his prediction for the return match of his former team against the French Rennes in the 1/16 of the Europa League. We will remind you that the first meeting between the rivals ended with the victory of the "miners" with a score of 2:1.
"I practically guessed the score of the first match, betting 1:0 on the Miners. But, considering the fact that the away goal rule has been abolished, the score 2:1 or 1:0 does not matter much.
I think Rennes did not expect such a game from the people of Donetsk. I would even say that the opponent somehow underestimated our team in view of all the events taking place in Ukraine, and understanding that the current Shakhtar and Shakhtar a year earlier are two different teams...
The score is slippery, so there is a bit of excitement before the return match. Everything, of course, will depend on the tactics chosen by the head coach and on the result of the first match. It is definitely not possible to sit in front of your own goal, because "Rennes" scores a lot. At the moment, the "miners" play well on counterattacks.
My prediction is a 0-0 draw. It's time for "Renna" to break with tradition. This season, the French have played 33 matches - and not once have they played a dry draw," said Grachov.