Real Madrid travelled to Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League on Wednesday knowing that a victory would see them advance into the round of 16 as Group A winners.
The visitors entered the interval with a 1-0 lead courtesy of an 18th-minute goal from Cristiano Ronaldo.
Luka Modric made it 2-0 early in the second period, before Dani Carvajal scored Real Madrid's third two minutes later. Ronaldo then doubled his tally for the night in the 70th minute for 4-0 as the visitors looked to be easing to three points.
Shakhtar had one back through Alex Teixeira in the 77th minute, however, before Dentinho and a second from Teixeira cut the score to 4-3 late in the contest. The home side could not find a leveller, however, as Real Madrid secured the points in the seven-goal thriller.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's live Champions League coverage continues from Ukraine as Shakhtar Donetsk welcome Real Madrid to the Lviv Arena. Real Madrid have already qualified from Group A, but victory this evening would ensure that they topped the section. As for Shakhtar, only three points tonight would be enough to keep their slim qualifying hopes alive. Let's hope for an entertaining game here!
Tonight will be the first European match between these two teams in Ukraine. Their first-ever meeting was the reverse match at the Bernabeu on matchday one, when Real Madrid were 4-0 winners courtesy of a Cristiano Ronaldo hat-trick and Karim Benzema strike. The Shakhtar supporters will be hoping that their team puts up more of a challenge in this game, that is for sure.
Right, without further ado, let me bring you up-to-speed the team news here...
TEAMS:
SHAKHTAR: Pyatov; Kobin, Ordets, Rakitskiy, Azevedo; Fred, Teixeira, Stepanenko; Marlos, Gladkiy, Bernard
REAL: Casilla; Carvajal, Pepe, Varane, Nacho; Kovacic, Modric, Casemiro; Isco, Ronaldo, Bale
So there we have it. The home side are without suspended duo Darijo Srna and Oleksandr Kucher this evening, meaning that there is a start at right-back for Vasyl Kobin. Alex Teixeira will skipper the team from the middle of the park, while there are also spots in the XI for Brazilian attacking pair Marlos and Bernard. Taison and Eduardo, however, are only on the bench for the hosts.
As for Real Madrid, Rafael Benitez has made a massive seven changes from the defeat to Barcelona at the weekend. Only Raphael Varane, Luka Modric, Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale keep their spots in the team, but two of the changes are enforced, with Sergio Ramos and Marcelo both injured. Karim Benzema, James Rodriguez and Toni Kroos have all dropped to the bench.
So there we have it. The teams are in and we are now little under 45 minutes from kickoff at the Lviv Arena. As mentioned, Real Madrid have already qualified from Group A, but victory this evening would ensure that they advanced into the knockout stages as group winners, which is always important. It is the difference between getting a Benfica or getting a Bayern Munich.
As for Shakhtar, the situation is a bit more complicated. As it stands, they sit third in the section on three points – four points behind second-place Paris Saint-Germain, who host Malmo this evening. A win tonight would keep Shakhtar's slim hopes alive, providing that PSG do not beat Malmo. In truth, it does appear that a Europa League position is the best that Shakhtar can claim.
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The Ukrainian runners-up are currently in their 11th group-stage Champions League campaign and they made it into the round of 16 last season. It appeared that they could well shock Bayern Munich after gaining a 0-0 draw in the first leg in Ukraine, but they were then thumped 7-0 in the return.
Their best-ever performance in this competition came in the 2010-11 season, when they reached the quarter-finals. They certainly have previous in the European Cup, but somewhat surprisingly, have dropped points in nine of their last 18 home games in the Champions League, which is not exactly a record that will breed confidence ahead of the match. Not against a team such as Real Madrid.
Mircea Lucescu's team, as mentioned, opened their Group A campaign with a 4-0 defeat at Real Madrid, before losing 3-0 at home to Paris Saint-Germain. A 1-0 loss at Malmo made it a miserable opening three matches, but they won the reverse against Malmo 4-0 last time out to ensure that they moved onto three points and indeed scored their first goals in this season's group stages.
Since losing to Malmo, Shakhtar have recorded five straight wins and that form has seen them rise to the top of the Ukrainian Premier League ahead of Dynamo Kiev. They will also enter the match off the back of a 4-0 win over Volyn at the weekend – making it 14 goals in their last three league matches.
Shakhtar's home record against Spanish opposition, however, is not impressive. They have only won two of their eight home European fixtures against teams from La Liga and lost four of their last five. Overall, they have won just four and lost 11 of their 22 meetings with Spanish opposition.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, will enter this match off the back of a 4-0 defeat to Barcelona in El Clasico at the weekend. It has been a difficult week for the Spanish giants, but their manager Rafael Benitez was given a vote of confidence by club president Florentino Perez on Monday. They might be through in the Champions League, but they need to respond with a performance tonight.
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Incredibly, Los Blancos have won 30 of their last 37 group games in the Champions League – only losing once, which is some record. The Spanish giants have also kept a clean sheet in each of their last eight group matches in this competition and are indeed the only team in this season's tournament not to have conceded a single goal. In Europe, they have been very good this term.
What's more, Real Madrid are currently playing in the group stages of the Champions League for the 19th consecutive season, which is currently the longest run of any team. They have never failed to make it out of the groups and that is again the case this season after beating PSG last time out.
Benitez's side opened their Group A campaign with a 4-0 win over Shakhtar, before recording a 2-0 victory in Malmo. Then came a 0-0 draw away to PSG, before they moved onto 10 points in the group with a 1-0 win over the French champions last time out. It was a fortuitous victory to say the least, but Nacho's strike ensured that the Spanish side would advance into the round of 16.
Real Madrid, who have made at least the semi-finals in each of their last five Champions League campaigns, have only won on one of their last six visits to Ukraine and that was against Dynamo Kiev in the 1999-2000 group stages. Victory tonight is not essential, but the supporters will be looking for a response following the disastrous defeat to Barcelona at the weekend.
"For our team, it's very important to avoid the mistakes we committed in Madrid [when Shakhtar lost 4-0]. I'd prefer not to see the fear we showed there after the first goal we conceded," those are the words from Shakhtar boss Lucescu, speaking to UEFA.com, ahead of the match.
PREDICTION! I think this could be a tough game for Real Madrid, who will enter the match short of confidence. That said, Shakhtar have not exactly been great in this season's Champions League and they are a little suspect at the back. For me, Real Madrid to nick this one 2-1 in Ukraine.
Plenty of eyes will be on this man this evening. He needs a response from his team...
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KICKOFF! Here we go then. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium, with the home supporters turning up in their numbers. Right, it is Shakhtar that get the action underway...
... decent start from the home side as Fred immediately looks to release Bernard, but the Brazilian was in an offside position. It will be interesting to see just how much ball possession Real Madrid have tonight. It is a fairly defensive-minded team, with Casemiro, Modric and Kovacic all in the XI.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the visitors to take an early lead as Modric slides a super pass into Ronaldo, who strikes towards the top corner, but his effort flies over the crossbar. It was a quite stunning opportunity to open the scoring, but Ronaldo could not find the back of the net!
It has been a strong start from the visitors, who continue to work the ball outside the Shakhtar box, with Ronaldo looking very dangerous. Nacho has the chance to deliver from a wide area, but his cross is collected by the goalkeeper. Simply all one-way traffic in the early exchanges here.
Marlos has the chance to run away from the Real Madrid back four, but Varane is across to make a super challenge. Down the other end, Bale attempts to speed away from Kobin, but the Welshman falls to the ground and the referee signals play on. The tempo has been very high thus far tonight.
Not too much to report in terms of clear chances since that early sighter for Ronaldo, but the away side remain in utter control of the possession. Shakhtar just cannot get out of their half here.
Decent possession for the home side in the last couple of minutes, but when they attempt to switch the ball towards Azevedo, the move breaks down. We have seen little from the likes of Bernard and Marlos in the opening 11 minutes, while Teixeira has also been starved of possession.
Bernard shows smart feet in a wide area and goes to ground following a challenge with Pepe, but the referee is not interested. It was not a dive, but no free kick either. That Ronaldo chance early on remains the closest that either side has come to scoring in the early exchanges in Ukraine.
Both teams are just exchanging possession at the moment without really threatening to make the breakthrough. The tempo has dropped and Shakhtar are much more in the game at this stage.
Shakhtar force a free kick outside the Real Madrid box, but Rakitskiy's effort was always flying over the crossbar. Decent position in the final third, but it was never threatening Casilla.
Kovacic winds up his foot outside the Shakhtar box after decent work from Modric, but his effort was blocked by Teixeira, whose work has mainly been in his own half thus far. Still goalless with 18 minutes on the clock and neither side has come close here since that early chance for Ronaldo.
GOAL! Shakhtar 0-1 Real Madrid (Ronaldo)
Real Madrid make the breakthrough in the 18th minute as Ronaldo nods home from close range after Bale had beaten the home side's goalkeeper to a through pass. I am not sure what Pyatov was doing there, but Bale clipped the ball into the danger area and Ronaldo just could not miss.
Half-chance for the home side this time as Marlos breaks down the right before delivering a dangerous cross into Gladkiy, but the striker cannot make contact under pressure from Pepe.
Ronaldo stands over a free kick in a wide position, but his effort was always rising over the crossbar. Not the attacker's best effort, that is for sure. Still 1-0 to the visitors in Ukraine.
Just a reminder that Shakhtar have to win to stand any chance of staying in the hunt to qualify for the round of 16, but PSG are currently beating Malmo, which would end their chances regardless of this result. As it stands, however, a win for Real Madrid would see them top Group A ahead of PSG.
Shakhtar have the chance to threaten from a set piece, but after the ball is delivered into the Real Madrid box, Varane is on hand to block an attempt from Odets. Shakhtar have played some nice football in the final third tonight, but have thus far not been able to test Casilla in the Real goal.
Not an awful lot to report in terms of chances in the last few minutes, but the home side are certainly making this more of a contest, with Teixeira, Marlos and Bernard seeing more of the ball. Ronaldo, surprise, has been Real Madrid's main outlet and indeed his goal separates the teams here.
Half-chance for Real Madrid as Bale races down the left before whipping a cross onto the head of Ronaldo, but his effort is straight at the goalkeeper. Might well have done a bit better there!
Varane is down for Real Madrid here and might well need to be replaced...
... REAL MADRID SUB! Indeed the change is made as Danilo replaces Varane.
Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining and the visitors still lead courtesy of that Ronaldo effort in the 18th minute. Shakhtar have had some decent moments, however, and will be confident of forcing opportunities as the match progresses. It is delicately poised in Ukraine here.
BOOKING! Stepanenko (Shakhtar) is booked for a challenge on Bale.
You just get the feeling that the next goal - if there indeed is one - could be vital here. Another goal for Real Madrid would make it very difficult for the home side to respond. However, the Shakhtar supporters have stayed with their team here and a leveller would take the roof off.
Shakhtar continue to enjoy good possession in the final third, but they have not seriously tested Casilla in the opening 40 minutes, which will be disappointing for their manager. Stepanenko is the player seeing most of the ball for the home side, which Real Madrid will be pretty pleased about.
Bale tries his luck from outside the box, but it is a comfortable save for Pyatov.
Shakhtar work the ball into a wide position before Azevedo delivers, but eventually Bernard's low effort is blocked at the near post. The pressure continues as Bernard again delivers towards the six-yard box, but Gladkiy's header was always moving wide. Much better from the home side there.
CHANCE! Shakhtar again threaten as Bernard delivers a super cross towards the head of Teixeira, but Casilla is on hand to punch clear, before Kovacic gets back to sweep up. The home side have started to ask some questions as we approach the half-time break, that is for sure.
Two additional minutes will be played.
Bale races away from the Shakhtar defence before lifting a cross towards Ronaldo, but it just too high for the 30-year-old and the home side clear their lines. Still 1-0 to Real Madrid in Ukraine.
Strong end to the half for Real Madrid as Isco has a shot blocked, before Modric forces a corner. The resulting set piece brings a half-chance for Bale, but his header is over the crossbar!
HALF-TIME: Shakhtar 0-1 Real Madrid
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with Real Madrid leading 1-0 courtesy of a close-range header from Ronaldo, who converted after good work from Bale. Shakhtar have had their moments in the final third, but have largely failed to test Casilla in the Real Madrid goal. A narrow lead for the visitors is just about a fair reflection of the game at this stage.
STATS! Real Madrid dominated the possession in the first period with 56%, while they had 11 attempts - three of which were on target. As for Shakhtar, they failed to hit the target with any of their three attempts. There has been just the one yellow, meanwhile, with Stepanenko in the book.
BENCH WATCH! The home side have plenty of attacking options on their bench this evening, with the likes of Eduardo, Taison and Dentinho all capable of making a difference. Real Madrid, meanwhile, have already been forced into one change - Danilo replacing Varane, but Rafael Benitez still has plenty of attacking options tonight in the shape of Benzema, James, Kroos, Jese and Rodriguez.
RESTART! Here we go then - both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Can Shakhtar find a route back into the match? It will be tough! The visitors resume the action here...
... no changes from either side at the break, which is not too much of a surprise. However, I suspect that both managers will already have alterations in mind for the second period here.
Bale again winds up his boot outside the Shakhtar box, but his low strike was always moving wide of the post. Bale has certainly been brighter for Real Madrid tonight, which is a good sign!
BOOKING! Carvajal (Real Madrid) is booked for a late challenge on Gladkiy.
BOOKING! Carvajal (Real Madrid) is booked for a late challenge on Gladkiy.
Bernard takes the resulting free kick, but Modric is on hand to make the block. Much better tempo from the home side in the early minutes of this half, with Teixeira starting to pull the strings.
GOAL! Shakhtar 0-2 Real Madrid (Modric)
Real Madrid have their second of the match as Casemiro sends Ronaldo away with a super pass and the attacker cuts inside before finding Modric, who finds the back of the net. Some goal that!
CHANCE! Real Madrid come close to a third as Ronaldo breaks into a one-on-one situation with the opposing goalkeeper, but his low strike is saved. Almost a double whammy for Shakhtar there!
GOAL! Shakhtar 0-3 Real Madrid (Carvajal)
Real Madrid put this game to bed early in the second period as they score their third of the night. Again it is Ronaldo that is involved as the attacker plays a little pass into Carvajal, who swings one over the head of Pyatov. It looked like a cross to me, but the ball dropped into the back of the net!
Well, the game is over as a contest and it will be interesting to see how both teams approach the final 35 minutes or so here. Shakhtar have just been blown away in the space of two minutes here.
Half-chance for the home side as Bernard delivers a cross onto the head of Gladkiy, but his header was always moving wide of the post. It has all gone very wrong, very quickly for Shakhtar here.
Another half-chance for Real Madrid as Isco slides a pass into Ronaldo, who spins and aims towards the bottom corner, but Pyatov is on hand to make the save. Still 3-0 Real Madrid.
Little under 30 minutes of football remaining and the home side are preparing to make their first change, with Taison the player receiving his final instructions. Shakhtar need a spark here.
SHAKHTAR SUB! Taison replaces Marlos for the home team.
REAL MADRID SUB! Toni Kroos replaces Modric for the visitors.
SHAKHTAR SUB! Dentinho replaces Azevedo for the home side.
Not an awful lot to report in terms of chances in the last couple of minutes, with the changes slowing the tempo of the match. Shakhtar need to give their supporters something to cheer!
Just a reminder that three points for Real Madrid tonight would see them claim first position in Group A, despite the fact that PSG are also winning 3-0 in Malmo. The home side are preparing to make their third and final change of the match as we head for the final 20 minutes of action.
Wonderful chance for Real Madrid to work something as Isco leads a three-on-one situation, but the Spaniard takes too long in possession and the home side get numbers back to clear the danger. Very wasteful from Isco, who has not really been in this match for long spells!
GOAL! Shakhtar 0-4 Real Madrid (Ronaldo)
Real Madrid have their fourth of the match as Bale races away down the left before squaring into Ronaldo, who converts at the second time of asking after his initial effort was blocked. Ronaldo has two and again it was super work from Bale, who has been much more lively this evening!
REAL MADRID SUB! Karim Benzema replaces Bale.
Little over 15 minutes of this second period remaining and Shakhtar need to be very careful that this does not become five or six, which would be a real hiding. Real Madrid are in the groove here.
SHAKHTAR SUB! Ferreyra replaces Gladkiy for the home side.
In truth, Real Madrid and PSG have been far too strong for this group, with PSG currently 4-0 ahead in Malmo, but that would see the French champions qualify in second position.
PENALTY SHAKHTAR!
The home side are awarded a penalty as Casemiro brings Taison to the ground inside the box. It was a little soft, but the referee was in no doubt and pointed straight to the spot!
GOAL! Shakhtar 1-4 Real Madrid (Teixeira, pen)
Teixeira sends his penalty into the bottom corner as Shakhtar get on the board here.
So, no clean sheet for Real Madrid tonight, but they are heading for all three points in comfortable fashion this evening. It has been a strong response from the disappointment of El Clasico.
Possession football from Real Madrid as we approach the final five minutes of this contest. In fairness to the home supporters, they have stayed with their team right throughout this game.
GOAL! Shakhtar 2-4 Real Madrid (Dentinho)
Shakhtar have another goal back here as Dentinho chests home at the far post after a corner had found its way to the Brazilian! Poor defending from Real Madrid! Where was the marking!
Shakhtar are really flooding forward here and another goal at this stage would make things very interesting. It is Taison that opens up his legs before delivering, but Casilla is on hand to claim.
Well, it should be a win for Real Madrid, but conceding two goals in the latter stages will be very disappointing for Benitez - a man that just loves to defend. Still more than two minutes remaining.
BOOKING! Danilo (Real Madrid) is booked for a late challenge on Kobin.
GOAL! Shakhtar 3-4 Real Madrid (Teixeira)
Oh my good grief! Shakhtar have a third back here as Teixeira settles inside a crowded box before calmly slotting one into the bottom corner. It is a super finish and we are set for some finish!
Three additional minutes!
The home side are flooding forward with Taison, who has been sensational since coming on, but Pepe manages to get across and clear the danger. Real Madrid are holding on here!
No more than 60 seconds remaining here and Real Madrid have possession.
FULL-TIME: Shakhtar 3-4 Real Madrid
Good grief what an end to the match in Ukraine! Real Madrid were 4-0 ahead entering the final 15 minutes and really cruising, but three late goals for Shakhtar set up a grandstand finish. Ultimately it is three points for the visitors, however, which sees them guarantee first position in Group A. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action once again. Until next time!
