Real are embarking upon their 51st European Cup campaign, the most of any side, but the record-setters are three points off the pace in Group D having been stunned at the Santiago Bernabéu by Sheriff Tiraspol last time out.
Shakhtar Donetsk
A disastrous start to their UEFA Champions League campaign sees Shakhtar Donetsk rooted to the bottom of Group D and a win over Real Madrid may be necessary if they are to advance to the last-16 for the first time since 2017/18. For Shakhtar to claim a much-needed victory, Roberto De Zerbi’s side will need to do something they haven’t done in their last three UEFA Champions League games – score a goal. The 13-time Ukrainian Premier League winners are well acquainted with the Spanish giants, having completed a UEFA Champions League double over ‘Los Blancos’ last season. Yet despite their recent success against Real, Shakhtar have only won seven of their 27 European games against Spanish opposition, whilst also being in the midst of a terrible run which has seen them collect just four wins in their last 21 UEFA Champions League games.
Real Madrid
Real are embarking upon their 51st European Cup campaign, the most of any side, but the record-setters are three points off the pace in Group D having been stunned at the Santiago Bernabéu by Sheriff Tiraspol last time out. History is on Real’s side to bounce back from defeat, however, having not lost back-to-back group stage games in the same season since 2008. Eastern Europe hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for Real in recent history, with just two wins on Ukrainian soil in their last seven visits. However, Carlo Ancelotti’s side can take heart from the fact they have won six of their last 12 UEFA Champions League away games, whilst also scoring 19 goals in their last seven clashes with Ukraine based clubs.
Shakhtar’s Manor Solomon scored home and away in last season’s double over Real Madrid, while Karim Benzema’s goal for Real on matchday two saw him equal Lionel Messi’s record of scoring in 17 successive UEFA Champions League competitions. Shakhtar have lost three of their last five games against La Liga opposition.