Shakhtar Donetsk Faces Elimination in Crucial Champions League Clash

GELSENKIRCHEN, Germany — Shakhtar Donetsk faces a must-win situation as they host Stade Brest in a pivotal UEFA Champions League match on Wednesday, Jan. 22, at VELTINS-Arena. The game, scheduled for 12:45 p.m. EST, will be streamed exclusively on Paramount+.

Shakhtar Donetsk, with a record of 1-1-4, is on the brink of elimination after losing their last two Champions League matches. Meanwhile, Stade Brest, boasting a 4-1-1 record, is in contention for an automatic bid to the Round of 16.

Shakhtar’s struggles have been evident throughout the competition, with a goal difference of 5:13 highlighting their defensive vulnerabilities. Their recent 4-0 victory against Ludogorez Rasgrad, however, offers a glimmer of hope. Manager Marino Pušić emphasized the importance of consistency, stating, “We need to build on our recent performance and show the same determination against Stade Brest.”

Stade Brest, on the other hand, has been a surprise package this season. With 13 points from six matches, the French side has demonstrated a balanced approach, scoring 10 goals while conceding only six. Manager Éric Roy praised his team’s resilience, saying, “Our away form has been crucial, and we aim to continue that momentum in Gelsenkirchen.”

This match marks the first-ever encounter between the two teams, adding an element of unpredictability. Both sides are expected to adopt an attacking mindset, with Stade Brest looking to secure their place in the next round and Shakhtar fighting to keep their Champions League dreams alive.

Fans can catch the action live on Paramount+, which offers exclusive coverage of all UEFA Champions League matches. The streaming service also provides on-demand replays and a free trial for new subscribers.