Real Madrid entertained Shakhtar Donetsk at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium earlier this evening as they looked to secure a win in front of their home fans. Los Blancos made a bright start to the game and took the lead in the 14th minute courtesy of Karim Benzema’s goal. However, Fernando equalised for the visitors in the 39th minute with a ferocious volley which meant that both sides went into the half-time break with nothing to split them.
It was Benzema who struck again in the 61st minute as he restored Los Blancos’ lead on the night. Carlo Ancelotti’s men ended up grinding out a hard-fought 2-1 win in the UEFA Champions League group stages.
Let’s take a look at how each Real Madrid player fared during the clash against Shakhtar Donetsk.
GK: Thibaut Courtois – 7/10
The Belgian keeper made some important saves during the game but won’t be pleased after conceding a goal late in the first half.
RB: Dani Carvajal – 6.5/10
He performed his defensive duties well but lacked the cutting edge in the final third. Carvajal got replaced after the hour mark.
CB: Eder Militao – 7/10
Militao was a rock at the back and was responsible for earning possession back quite a few times for his team. He was a threat at the other end as well.
CB: David Alaba – 6.5/10
The Real Madrid centre-back cleared his lines when needed and was tidy when passing the ball out from the back.
The 4th Official uses images provided by the following image agency:
Getty Images (https://www.gettyimages.de/)
Imago Images (https://www.imago-images.de/)
LB: Ferland Mendy – 6.5/10
Mendy hardly gave away the ball and made one good run going forward. He was even solid when defending inside his half.
CM: Toni Kroos – 7/10
The German talent anchored the midfield quite well and had some lively moments in the Shakhtar half.
CM: Casemiro – 6.5/10
He did his best to protect his teammates at the back but struggled to influence the game in the final third.
CM: Luka Modric – 7/10
The Croatia international was a potent goal-threat from midfield. He also made one key chance in the attacking end of the field.
RW: Lucas Vazquez – 7/10
Vazquez completed a couple of eye-catching dribbles and engineered a few inviting chances for his teammates to score.
ST: Karim Benzema – 8.5/10
The French striker was once again Ancelotti’s main man as he scored a goal in each half to win the game for Los Blancos.
LW: Vinicius Junior – 8.5/10
The talented winger set up both of Benzema’s goals and made several promising runs with the ball down the left flank.
Substitutes:
RB: Nacho – 6/10
He was solid at the back but offered very little in the opponent’s half.
ST: Luka Jovic – 6/10
Jovic hardly got a sniff at goal.
