Hamrun take on the visitors Shakhtar Donetsk in the round 5 match of UEFA Conference League – League Phase. The match will be played on Thursday, December 11th at Ta'Qali National Stadium (Ta' Qali).
Hamrun Spartans did not even show their best form in the 2024/25 domestic league during the regular season. However, because the title is decided through a “Final Four,” they managed to perform better in that stage and claimed the trophy. Earning a spot in the Champions League qualifiers, they surprisingly eliminated Zalgiris after trading 2-0 home wins and advancing on penalties, but then fell twice 0-3 to Dynamo Kyiv. A Europa League run followed against Maccabi Tel Aviv, where results were similarly disappointing — 1-2 and 1-3. At least they passed RFŠ in the Conference League qualifiers, yet in the main stage they suffered defeats to Jagiellonia, Lausanne, and Samsunspor. Although they finally won in the most recent round, the opponent was Lincoln Red Imps, and even that home victory ended just 3-1. Overall, Hamrun’s European results highlight a clear gap in class when moving beyond regional opposition. Their inconsistency across all continental competitions this season raises doubts about their ability to withstand higher-level pressure.
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Shakhtar Donetsk began the season with a new manager. The Miners won the domestic cup in spring, though it was a modest consolation for an underwhelming league campaign in which they failed to finish even second for the first time in decades. As a result, they brought in Arda Turan from Eyüpspor. His tenure started brightly as Shakhtar advanced in the Europa League by eliminating both Ilves, with a 6-0 aggregate win, and Beşiktaş, 4-2 and 2-0. However, problems arose soon after: they fell to Panathinaikos on penalties after two goalless draws, and were knocked out of the cup by Dynamo, although they later beat the same opponent in the Premier League. They also survived a dramatic Conference League playoff against Servette, equalising late in Switzerland before sealing a 2-1 win in extra time. In the group stage, Turan and his staff have been giving playing time to younger squad members, which contributed to a defeat against Legia but still produced victories over Aberdeen, Breidablik, and Shamrock Rovers. Shakhtar’s form suggests a team capable of adapting to adversity and finding solutions in difficult matches. Their resilience in European fixtures indicates a higher level of stability compared to their upcoming opponent.
This will be the first time the Orange-and-Blacks travel to Malta. Even without their strongest lineup, the visitors should secure a comfortable victory. The bet here is Shakhtar with a -1.5 handicap.
Prediction for the match: Shakhtar to win with -1.5 handicap.
