diff --git a/spec/mysql2/client_spec.rb b/spec/mysql2/client_spec.rb
index 5a443b228..5a1b45d4b 100644
--- a/spec/mysql2/client_spec.rb
+++ b/spec/mysql2/client_spec.rb
@@ -232,7 +232,15 @@ def connect *args
       it "should > 0" do
         # "the statement produces extra information that can be viewed by issuing a SHOW WARNINGS"
         # http://dev.mysql.com/doc/refman/5.0/en/explain-extended.html
-        @client.query("explain extended select 1")
+        begin
+          @client.query("explain extended select 1")
+        rescue Mysql2::Error
+          # EXTENDED keyword is deprecated in MySQL 8.0 and triggers a syntax error
+          # https://dev.mysql.com/doc/refman/5.7/en/explain-extended.html
+          # "extended output is now enabled by default, so the EXTENDED keyword is superfluous and
+          # deprecated ... and it will be removed from EXPLAIN syntax in a future MySQL release"
+          @client.query("explain select 1")
+        end
         @client.warning_count.should > 0
       end
     end