Los Blancos kick off their 2020/21 UCL campaign at home to the Ukrainian giants. Will Zidane’s men return to winning ways? Live Soccer TV's match preview provides global broadcast listings, team news, and match facts for Real Madrid vs Shakhtar.

Real Madrid vs Shakhtar – Preview

Real Madrid kick off their 2020/21 Champions League on Wednesday, taking on Shakhtar Donetsk. The competition's most successful team in history will welcome the Ukrainian giants after a disappointing weekend result in La Liga and with a crucial Spanish top-flight showdown being on the horizon.

Last Saturday, Zidane's men hosted newly-promoted side Cádiz and what followed was a historic result. Real Madrid were beaten 1-0 by a side that had not played in the Spanish top-flight for 14 years in what was yet another disappointing performance from the reigning champions. The focus now shifts to Europe, where they achieved unrivaled success under the guidance of Cristiano Ronaldo, but since the Portuguese legend's departure, things have not been the same.

In the two seasons that have followed, Los Merengues have suffered back-to-back round of 16 exits, losing to Ajax in 2018/19 and Man City last season. A victory would be the perfect way to start this season. Benzema and Co. boast the home advantage but that will amount to nothing if they do not perform.

Real Madrid will also be competing with Inter Milan and Borussia Monchengladbach for one of two round of 16 spots and thus cannot afford a slip up. Another reason why a win is a must is the fact that El Clasico is right around the corner, with Zidane's men set to visit Barcelona this weekend. Failure to win could do tremendous harm to their confidence.

Team news

Real Madrid: The biggest blow to Real Madrid is the absence of Sergio Ramos. The club captain was taken oasff at half time during the defeat to Cadiz and has now been left out of their Champions League squad. On top of that, Martin Odegaard, Alvaro Odriozola and Eden Hazard are also out. Fortunately, Casemiro and Ferland Mendy are expected to return. 

Shakhtar: The visitors will be without Junior Moraes and Mykola Matviyenko who are two key players. Maksym Malyshev, Ismaily and Serhii Kryvtsov are all sidelined. The Ukrainians are also without Taison.

Key stats

  • Real Madrid have not lost any of their last eight home meetings with a Ukrainian opposition, last suffering a defeat in 1999.

  • These two teams faced off in the 2015/16 group stage, with the Spanish giants winning both legs 8-3 on aggregate.

  • The Ukrainian giants have won six of their last 15 opening games of the Champions League season.

Where to watch Real Madrid vs Shakhtar live on October 21, 2020

Real Madrid-Shakhtar kick off at 12:00 PT/15:00 ET/19:00 GMT/21:00 CST

USA: TUDN.com, UniMás, ZonaFutbol, Univision NOW, TUDN USA, TUDN Radio, TUDNxtra, TUDN App, CBS All Access

Australia: Optus Sport

Canada: DAZN

Spain: Movistar+, Movistar Liga de Campeones, Mitele Plus

Ukraine: Partidazo in Movistar LaLiga, Mitele Plus, Movistar+, Movistar Laliga, Movistar Laliga 3

UK: BT Sport 1, BT Sport App, BTSport.com

Live elsewhere? Here's where to watch Real Madrid vs Shakhtar live from your current location:

 

Match details, result and original broadcast info

Real Madrid 2 - 3 Shakhtar Donetsk

October 21, 2020 12:55pmEstadio Alfredo Di Stéfano (Madrid)

This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.

Live TV coverage and streaming in United States

CBS All Access
fuboTV
TUDN USA
UniMás
TUDN.com
Univision NOW
TUDNxtra
TUDN App
ZonaFutbol
TUDN Radio