Real Madrid will lock horns with Shakhtar Donetsk away from home on Tuesday night hoping to pick up a win and move one step closer to qualification into the knockout phases of the UEFA Champions League. Los Blancos suffered a dismal 2-1 defeat versus Alaves at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium last weekend which will dampen their mood heading into this midweek game in Europe.
Zinedine Zidane will probably go with a 4-3-3 formation and might be inclined to make a lot of changes to his first-team for this upcoming clash on the road. We can expect Karim Benzema to return from his groin problem and operate as the lone centre-forward up top.
4-3-3 Real Madrid Predicted Lineup To Face Shakhtar Donetsk
Defence
Thibaut Courtois will retain his spot in goal for the Madrid giants after shipping in two goals in his last outing. Nacho is expected to feature along with Raphaël Varane at the heart of Zidane’s defence as they look to keep the Shakhtar attackers at bay in midweek.
Lucas Vazquez will continue to feature as a makeshift right-back while Ferland Mendy gets a chance to impress on the other flank as the left-back. Zidane will allow both of them to build up plays in the opposition half so that they can offer enough ammunition to their teammates up top.
Álvaro Odriozola is a major doubt for this game, but Éder Militão should be available for selection on the bench.
Midfield
Martin Ødegaard, Casemiro and Toni Kroos will make up the Real Madrid midfield. They will focus on retaining possession at the centre of the park and create some meaningful opportunities in the attacking third.
Luka Modric will be rested on the bench after he got a start last weekend but could come on to influence the game in the second half if needed. Federico Valverde remains sidelined and won’t take part in this game.
Attack
Zidane could freshen up his attack and opt for a front three of Vinicius Junior, Karim Benzema and Rodrygo for this upcoming contest versus Luis Castro’s men. However, Eden Hazard will definitely miss this match after he was forced off the pitch with a muscle problem on Saturday.
Marco Asensio and Mariano will have to be content with a place on the bench as they await their chance to shine as the second-half substitutes if Zidane decides to call upon their services.
