Although club president Florentino Perez had earlier expressed his confidence in manager Rafael Benitez at a press conference held on Monday, all eyes will be on the Spanish tactician as his side travels away to Ukraine to face their midweek opponents. It should be noted that back in March, Perez used the same platform to express his confidence with Carlo Ancelotti, months before firing him. Los Blancos are almost guaranteed of a position in the last round of 16 but have an image to protect when they face their Ukrainian counterparts, who are placed third on the Group A table.
Champions League Group A table standings as of November 25, 2015
However, things will not be so easy for the Spanish side, since their hosts boast of notable talents such as the on-form Alex Teixeira. The 29-year-old Brazilian attacking midfielder has scored 19 goals for the Ukrainian outfit in 13 league appearances. Shakhtar has been home to some of the top talents in the world of football. Last summer, the club sold Douglas Costa to Bayern Munich. They also sold Fernandinho and Willian to Man City and Chelsea respectively.
Shakhtar's Teixeira is expected to lead the hunt for goals against The Whites in their Champions League fixture
Team news
Shakhtar Donetsk
Defenders Darijo Srna and Olexandr Kucher are both suspended ahead of the tie after accumulating three yellow cards so far. Ivan Ordets and Vasili Kobin could replace the suspended duo.
Real Madrid
Both Sergio Ramos and Marcelo will miss the match due to shoulder and adductor injuries respectively. They could be replaced by Pepe and Raphael Varane in the defence. Alvaro Arbeloa or Nacho could provide support at the left-back position.
Which channel is broadcasting Shakhtar Donetsk vs Real Madrid on TV or Online?
- USA: on various Fox and ESPN channels (check our broadcast guide for listings)
- Canada: on various beIN sports channels
- UK: on various BT Sport channels
The action will be aired live in the USA on Fox Sports Net North, ESPN3 USA, MASN2, Fox Sports Ohio 2, Fox Sports Carolinas, MASN, Fox Sport South, WATCH ESPN, Fox Sports Southwest, Fox Sports Florida, Fox Sports Tennessee, Fox Soccer 2GO USA, Fox Sports Midwest, Fox Deportes, Fox Sports Ohio, Fox Sports Detroit, Fox Sports Arizona or Fox Sports West at 14:45 EST. In Canada get ready to watch the action live on beIN Sports Canada or beIN SPORTS CONNECT Canada at 14:45 EST. You can also watch Shakhtar Donetsk vs Real Madrid on November 25, 2015 live on BT Sport Extra or BT Sport Live Streaming at 19:45 GMT.
Alternatively, visit our live broadcast page for more broadcasting options for different countries across the world.
*NOTE: Live broadcast data is subject to change
Quick facts
- In the first leg of their UEFA Champions League fixture, Real Madrid beat Shakhtar 4-0
- Real Madrid have not conceded a goal in 11 of their last 14 UCL matches
- Real Madrid have not lost 27 of their last 30 UCL matches including qualifiers
- The Spanish giants have scored under 2.5 goals in their last three games in the Champions League, including qualifiers.
Shakhtar Donetsk vs Real Madrid team sheets
Shakhtar Donetsk: Pyatov, Kobin, Ordets, Rakitskyy, Azevedo, Fred, Stepanenko, Marlos, Teixeira, Bernard, Gladkyy.
Real Madrid: Casilla; Carvajal, Pepe, Varane, Nacho; Modric, Casemiro; Bale, Ronaldo; Isco, Kovacic.
Shakhtar Donetsk bench: Kanibolotskyi, Kryvtsov, Dentinho, Taison, Kovalenko, Ferreyra, Eduardo
Real Madrid bench: Navas, Kroos, Benzema, James, Varquez, Jese, Danilo.
Match details, result and original broadcast info
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
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