The Ukrainian side is familiar to the Israeli public in recent years following the success of Manor Solomon, but even before the arrival of the diminutive Israeli, this is a club that is very successful in European competitions. Shakhtar’s record achievement is winning the UEFA Cup in 2009, as other memorable achievements noted were reaching the Champions Quarter Finals in 2010/11 and the Europa League Semi Finals in 2015/16.
Winning the domestic league championship in the last four seasons, Sahkhtar, who are currently second in their table behind Dynamo Kiev, became the dominant force in Ukraine. This season, the side coached by Luis Castro, enjoyed a successful Champions League campaign and finished third in a tough group that included Real Madrid, Borussia Monchengladbach and Inter Milan.
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How to deal with a two-month-long winter break?
Historically, the achilles’ heel of teams from North East Europe has been a tough winter which leads to two month long break during the cold months of the year. As a result, and as Shakhtar has been accustomed to, Shakhtar will face Maccabi having played a single competitive match since December. On Sunday, Shakhtar were held to a 0-0 draw in the Ukrainian league by 7th place Kolos which leaves them with 30 points from 14 matches trailing leaders Dynamo Kiev by 3 points.
Despite the domestic break, Shakhtar kept fit and held a training camp in Turkey and played no less than 7 friendly matches against various European opponents that helped them maintain match fitness.
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The preferred system and the quality squad
Historically, Shakhtar have been attracting Brazilian talents before selling them to various European clubs as former players include: Manchester City’s Fernandinho, Willian of Arsenal, Bayern Munich’s Douglas Costa. At the moment, Shakhtar has no fewer than 11 Brazilian players in their squad some of whom are competing with Manor Solomon for playing time.
Portuguese coach Luis Castro continues with Shakhtar’s trademark 4-3-3 formation which features either one or two holding midfielders and an additional midfielder behind the striker.
The Shakhtar squad is packed with quality (Valued on transfermarket at EUR 158M) and traditionally as Castro has plenty of options upfront with a variety of numerous choices. The talented wingers are joined by the attacking full-backs as some leading players are the veterans Marlos, Alan Patrick, Taison and Tete Maccabi will have to watch out for.
One star player who will not face Maccabi is attacking midfielder Victor Kovalenko who joined Italian side Atalanta B.C.
Regardless of Shakhtar’s starting line-up this is a very strong and proven side which would be an extremely difficult challenge for Maccabi.
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