Real Madrid produced another five-star performance against Shakhtar Donetsk in the UCL group stage. One of the most important positives from the game was the defensive stability which helped them keep a clean sheet.
An own goal from Shakhtar’s captain opened the deadlock in the first half, and Vini Jr. scored a brilliant brace to keep the scoreboard moving. Rodrygo and captain Benzema scored a goal each to complete magnificent team performance.
The hosts started the game brighter and looked threatening but didn’t really test Courtois except for some late shots on target. De Zerbi’s men were not able to go past Madrid’s defensive wall and lacked creativity upfront. The Ukrainian side was not able to resist continuous threats from the European giants and conceded 5 goals.
Real Madrid produced another stellar performance and once again came back onto winning ways. Carlo Ancelloti will be delighted by the defensive performance of his team and the boss will want them to continue this winning momentum.
Here is our Real Madrid’s player ratings from the game against Shakhtar Donetsk:
Thibaut Courtois: 7
Courtois was not called much into action the entire game and had only four shots on target. The Belgian made some jaw-dropping saves in the final moments to deny the home side any consolation.
Ferland Mendy: 8
Mendy started the game after five months and immediately made a difference. The defense looked stable with French left-back.
David Alaba: 7.5
The Austrian produced another superb performance at the back. Alaba was very good with his passing throughout the game and was solid at the back.
Eder Militao: 8
Militao was unshakeable at the back and made several crucial blocks and tackles, but the Brazilian had some nervy moments at the back.
Lucas Vazquez: 7
Lucas was the right-back for the night and was very efficient on the wings. The Spaniard did not have much work defensively and was actively involved in offensive transitions. It was Lucas’s cross that turned into an own goal.
Toni Kroos: 7.5
Kroos was actively involved in the game and was crucial in the team’s build-up. The German was very smart and accurate with his passes tested the goalkeeper from a distance several times.
Casemiro: 8
Casemiro was back to his best and was brilliant throughout. The Brazilian was rock solid defensively and made some decisive interventions. He completed nearly 94% of his passes.
Luka Modric: 8
It was another spectacular performance from the midfield maestro. Modric brought the team out of danger several times, and he played an exceptional pass to Vini Jr for his first goal of the game.
Vinicius: 8.5
Vini Jr. scored a brace against Shakhtar, which included one stunning finish. Vinicius was lively on the wings the entire game and was a constant threat. The Brazilian also provided an assist to Rodrygo.
Karim Benzema: 8.5
Benzema worked tirelessly throughout the game and added another goal to his tally of 10 goals. The Frenchman was involved in every goal that Los Blancos scored.
Rodrygo: 7
Rodrygo was very productive on the wings and was efficiently going past defenders. It was another spectacular performance from the young Brazilian and scored a well-deserved goal.
Substitutes:
Marcelo: 6
Marcelo replaced Mendy in the 69th minute and was instantly involved in the attacks. The Brazilian tried to combine with Vinicius and Benzema on the left.
Federico Valverde: 6
Valverde came from the bench in the 78th minute and made some precise passes.
Eduardo Camavinga: 6.5
Camavinga replaced Modric and showed some good footwork in the final minutes.
Marco Asensio: 7
The Spaniard was brought on in the final 10 minutes of the game and provided one pinpoint assist.
