Real Madrid have continued on their slump in the build-up to the El Clasico, with two successive losses at the hands of Cadiz and Shakhtar Donetsk.
In a rather shocking turn of events at the Alfredo de Stefano stadium, the Ukrainian side found themselves leading the mighty Real Madrid by three goals. Los Blancos were completely out of sorts in the first half and the scoreline reflected the same.
The visiting side had done their homework and targetted Real Madrid with some rapid and pacey counter-attacks. Luka Modric and Vinicus Jr pulled two back for Madrid in the second half.
Zidane’s team seemed short of ideas in the opening exchange but came with all guns blazing in the second half. However, the damage was done in the first half and it did not really finish well for the Whites. Here’s how Real Madrid players were rated in the 2-3 defeat at the hands of Shakhtar.
GK : Thibaut Courtois – 7/10
Despite conceding three goals in quick succession, the Belgian goalie made some crucial saves in the second half to keep Madrid alive in the game.
RB : Ferland Mendy – 7/10
The full-back definitely seemed uncomfortable playing down the right-hand side while attacking as he is naturally left-footed. Mendy was nevertheless rock-solid in defence.
CB : Raphael Varane – 7/10
A good strong performance by Varane who seemed to be the only one alert in defence in the first half. The Frenchman was unfortunate to concede the own goal.
CB : Eder Militao – 6/10
Despite a strong and dominating performance in the second half, Militao was too sloppy earlier on. The damage was already done by then.
LB : Marcelo – 7/10
A jubilant and vibrant performance from Marcelo as he seemed to be the focal point of several of Madrid’s attacks.
LCM : Federico Valverde – 8/10
Valverde was absolutely amazing on the night and barely kept a foot wrong. He almost saved the day for Los Blancos but VAR played a spoilt sport.
CDM : Casemiro – 7/10
An uncharacteristic performance from Casemiro in the opening forty-five minutes. However, he seemed to be back to his best for the remainder of the game.
RCM : Luka Modric – 8/10
Modric completely dominated and controlled the flow of the game starting in midfield ahead of Toni Kroos. The Croatian scored an absolute screamer from outside the box before being subbed off.
RW : Marco Asensio – 7/10
A rather quiet evening from Asensio, he nevertheless managed to stay on the field for the entire ninety minutes.
ST : Luka Jovic – 6/10
A poor performance from Jovic who missed a header from point black range. This could have allowed Madrid to score the first goal of the night.
LW : Rodrygo – 6/10
Rodrygo went largely unnoticed and made way for Karim Benzema at half time.
Substitutes
ST : Karim Benzema – 7/10
One of the top performers on the night. He ignited the spark which seemed to be missing in Zizou’s men prior to his arrival.
LW : Vinicius Jr – 8/10
Left an immediate mark on the game with a goal after being subbed on in the second half.
CM : Toni Kroos – 7/10
The German replaced Luka Modric in midfield and put across some splendid balls across the pitch.
