Match Preview
Gorica will face Shakhtar Donetsk in a friendly match at ŠRC Velika Gorica on Thursday, 23 July, with both teams arriving with contrasting recent performances. Gorica has shown some resilience at home, winning three of their last five matches (3W, 2L) while managing to keep three clean sheets in that span. They scored a total of eight goals, demonstrating an ability to find the back of the net, albeit with a lapse in defense that saw four goals conceded.
In contrast, Shakhtar Donetsk enters this fixture after a strong showing in their recent away games, boasting a record of four wins and one loss (4W, 1L) in their last five matches on the road. They scored a notable 13 goals while conceding six, indicating a potent attacking line. However, their last match saw them suffer a 0-1 defeat against Kolos Kovalivka, which broke a three-match winning streak. This could reflect potential vulnerabilities as they regroup for this friendly.
Key absences may play a role in the game dynamics, particularly for Shakhtar Donetsk, who will miss several players due to eligibility issues and injuries, including Marlon and Dmytro Riznyk. Gorica, however, has reported no major absences, which could give them an edge in maintaining squad depth and flexibility.
With both teams looking to solidify their tactical approaches in a friendly setting, Gorica’s recent home form and Shakhtar’s attacking prowess create an interesting matchup. Each team will aim to build confidence and cohesion as they prepare for their respective upcoming challenges in the season ahead.
