Shakhtar Donetsk vs Real Madrid
UEFA Champions League
Date: 25th November, 2015
Kick Off: 7.45 pm BST
Venue: Donbass Arena, Donetsk
Live Stream: Watch Shakhtar vs Real Madrid live
Real Madrid suffered a humiliating 4-0 defeat against Barcelona at the weekend and Los Blancos will be looking to bounce back with a statement win against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League this week.
After a very impressive start to the season, the wheels seem to be coming off for Rafa Benitez. Two crushing defeats against Sevilla and Barcelona have piled an enormous amount of pressure on the Spaniard.
However the ten time European champions can make a fresh start against Shakhtar in the Champions League. The Ukrainians were comprehensively beaten at the Santiago Bernabeu earlier this season and Lucescu’s side will look to take advantage of a vulnerable Real Madrid side.
Rafa Benitez has a very impressive CV when it comes to European competitions and he will look to redeem himself in his comfort zone.
Real Madrid’s cautious approach this season has drawn a lot of criticism towards the manager and his attacking approach against Barcelona backfired. The Champions League winner (with Liverpool) is under severe pressure and will need to find a way to bounce back and quick.
As for Shakhtar, the Ukrainians have been abysmal in the Champions League and have lost 3 of their 4 group games so far. The home side are more or less out of the competition and will look to salvage some pride in front of their home fans.
Shakhtar Donetsk vs Real Madrid Team News
Shakhtar will be without two key players for the clash against Real Madrid this week.
Mircea Lucescu will be without the services of Srna and Kucher, both of who are suspended. Midfielder Vitali Vitsenets is also ruled out with a meniscus injury.
As for Real Madrid, Rafa Benitez will have all of his key players fit and ready for the trip to Ukraine.
Shakhtar Donetsk vs Real Madrid Starting Lineups
Shakhtar Starting Lineup: Pyatov; Malyshev, Rakitskiy, Ismaily, Azevedo; Fred, Stepanenko; Marlos, Teixeira, Bernard; Gladkiy
Real Madrid Starting Lineup: Navas; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; Modric, Kroos; Bale, Ronaldo, James Rodriguez; Benzema
Shakhtar Donetsk vs Real Madrid Key Stats
Real Madrid have kept a clean sheet in 11 of their last 14 matches in the Champions League
Real Madrid are undefeated in 27 of their last 30 matches in the Champions League
Prediction: Shakhtar 0-3 Real Madrid
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