Preview

August 19, Vienna, Ernst Happel, 21:45
Live broadcast on Ukraina and Futbol 1 channel

Just like in the previous round of the Champions League qualification, the Pitmen will play their first game away from home. Shakhtar played their last league game on 14 August, and Rapid faced Sturm two days later, 16 August. Rapid traditionally displayed their mettle: they managed to battle back from 2-0 down during the second half. Rapid are going into the game with Shakhtar in good form and undefeated in the Austrian league. Rapid are currently topping the league table.

Match officials

Referee - Bjorn Kuipers (Netherlands)
Assistant referees - Sander van Rukel, Erwin Zeynstra (both - Netherlands)
Additional assistant  referees - Paul van Boekel, Richard Lisveld (both - Netherlands)
Sixth official - Charles Shaap (Netherlands)
Referee observer - Ray Elling (Wales)

Personnel

Rapid’s midfielder Stefan Schwab, who was sent off in the first match of the Champions League third qualifying round against Ajax, is still serving suspension. Defenders Thomas Schrammel and Stefan Stangl won’t be able to help their team either due to injuries.

We have already reported about Shakhtar’s list of players, who have travelled to Austria and are preparing for the upcoming match. It should be noted that Serhiy Kryvtsov, who did not take part in the game with Fenerbahce, is also part of the match squad after returning to full training.

Scoring average in the 2015-16 Champions League:

Rapid – 2,5 goals per game;
Shakhtar – 1,5 goals per game.