The story so far
Shakhtar Donetsk will host Real Madrid at the Olimpiysky National Sport Complex in what will be their third game of the European competition this season. The Ukrainian outfit have had a rather poor start to life in the ongoing campaign having managed just a point in two games. The first was a suprise 2-0 defeat to Sherrif Tiraspool in their opening group game beforethey followed up with a 0-0 draw with Inter Milan.
The result has left them at the base of the table in Group D with just a point and a negative goal difference. On the domestic level, Roberto De Zerbi's men have been on a steady trajectory, winning eight out of the 11 games they have played thus far and losing just once. The impressive run has seen they occupying third position on the league table and they will hope to build on this run to potentially get the better of Real Madrid.
Los Blancos have not been fortunate in the continental cup this term and are eager to secure a swift turn around to prevent any further slip ups. The Bernabeu outfit has managed just three points from their last two games. They were denied a win by the less fancied Sheriff Tiraspol who cruised to the historic feat inside Santiago Bernabeu, taking their point tally to six.
Curently, Real Madrid sit in second position with three points and a zero goal difference. Needless to say, the clash with Shakhtar should not be particualarly daunting for the whites who have won all but one of the last four meetings.
Form guide
Shakhtar Donetsk in the last 10 matches: 5W 4D 1L
Real Madrid in the last 10 matches: 6W 2D 2L.
Predicted starting XI
Shakhtar Donetsk: Pyatov; Dodo, Marlon, Matvienko, Ismaily; Pedrinho, Maycon, Stepanenko, Patrick, Solomon; Tete.
Real Madrid: Courtois; Nacho, Militao, Alaba, Marcelo; Valverde, Casemiro, Kroos; Vinicius, Benzema, Rodrygo.
What are the managers saying ahead of the clash?
Roberto De Zerbi, Shakhtar coach: "How can I not worry before the match against Real Madrid? Only an unwise person wouldn't worry. The major thing is to see our progress, how we have improved our level. That's more important than just the result. There are two options: to play either defensively, or have possession of the ball which is also a defensive phase. We have a clear idea of what we should do."
Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid coach: "This is a good period [for the team] because the players who left [for international duty] have returned in good condition. Apart from [Eden] Hazard, who has had a little problem, the rest have returned in good shape."
Broadcast information
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
