On the second day of the 2020 Europa League quarterfinals, we have two more interesting matches. Two interesting games that might even determine the finalists.
Both Shakhtar Donetsk and Basel have surpassed everyone’s expectations of qualifying to the quarterfinals. They are playing their match at the neutral ground of VELTINS-Arena in Gelsenkirchen and both sides have chances to advance to the semifinals.
Shakhtar is in better form as after the season resumed they won eight out of ten competitive games and scored 24 goals. This also counts the 3-0 win against Wolfsburg that brought them here. But after winning the Ukrainian Super League they had a long break since June. On the other hand, Basel is not lacking competitive football as they have only finished competing in the domestic league. But their form is not as near as the would want as they lost the title and finished third. Their lackluster performance against Eintracht in the previous round is nothing to boast about.
Shakhtar has a great chance of reaching the semis as they are a fresher team and are in better form.
The second matchup sees Wolves meeting the Europa League specialists, Seville, in Duisburg.
Seville surprised everyone after eliminating Roma in the previous round. The Spanish side enters this fixture unbeaten since February in 18 games. However, they have struggled at times to win these games and have drawn nine of them. But one should never count them out, especially when it comes to the Europa League.
Wolves have reached the Europa League quarterfinals for the first time since 1972. They do have a stellar season behind them but have failed to qualify for any European competition through the Premier League. This is their only chance of a trophy this season and European football for next season.
This one can truly go either way.
