Player Ratings: Real Madrid 2-1 Shakhtar Donetsk – 2021/22
Two goals from Karim Benzema secured an important win for Real Madrid over Shakhtar Donetsk at the Bernabéu.
The win sees Real Madrid take full control of qualification to the knockout stages and moves them to the top of their group with Inter Milan and Sheriff still to play.
Karim Benzema opened the scoring for Real Madrid after just 14 minutes, notching Real Madrid’s 1000th goal in European competition. Vinicius pounced on a loose ball in Shakhtar’s 18-yard box before squaring to the Frenchman who simply couldn’t miss.
Real Madrid took their foot off the gas after scoring the early goal and allowed Shakhtar to grow into the game. Shakhtar’s pressure eventually paid off, with the visitors equalising through Fernando just before half-time.
Real Madrid came out for the second-half just like they ended the first, slow and uninspiring. They eventually stepped up a gear or two and managed to take the lead through Benzema. Vinicius set up the Frenchman, playing a one-two with Casemiro before Karim finished with aplomb.
Real Madrid managed to hold on and secure the victory thanks to Karim Benzema’s double, both of which were set up by Vinicius. Not the best of performances but a win nevertheless. Our player ratings:
Starting XI:
Thibaut Courtois: 8/10
Made a couple of important saves just before half-time and in the dying moments of the second-half. Another big performance.
Dani Carvajal: 6/10
Eder Militao: 6.5/10
It was his long ball that resulted in Real Madrid’s opener but the Brazilian was sloppy at times and was caught out of position for Shakhtar’s opener.
David Alaba: 7/10
A relatively quiet night for the Austrian. Alaba did his job and he did it well.
Ferland Mendy: 7/10
Luka Modric: 6/10
Casemiro: 7/10
Casemiro looks a far way off his usual high standards. Despite that, the Brazilian played a crucial part in the buildup for Real Madrid’s second goal.
Toni Kroos: 6/10
Both Kroos and Modric were relatively quiet tonight and that was evident from Madrid’s performance. Toni was well marshalled by Shakhtar’s midfield and that limited his impact on the game.
Lucas Vazquez: 7/10
Karim Benzema: 9/10
Vinicius Jr: 9/10
Substitutions:
Nacho: 6/10 – Came on to replace Carvajal. The Spaniard’s introduction saw Real Madrid switch to a back three to see out the game.
Luka Jovic: N/A – Came on to replace Benzema late on.
