Player Ratings: Real Madrid 2-1 Shakhtar Donetsk – 2022/23

Real Madrid returned to winning ways after defeating Shakhtar Donetsk 2-1 on Wednesday night making it three wins from three matches in the Champions League.

Los Blancos broke the deadlock in the 13th minute after Rodrygo found the back of the net with a powerful finish from the edge of the box.

The home side doubled their lead in the 28th minute. Vinicius calmly slotted home after a brilliant team move ended with Rodrygo finding his compatriot inside the box.

Against the run of play, Shakhtar pulled one back just before the break. Zubkov found the back of the net with a brilliant volley after a being found completely unmarked in the box.

Despite registering a whopping 36 shots, Carlo Ancelotti’s men only managed to find the back of the net twice. Nevertheless, the win sees the champions move five points clear at the top of Group F.

Player ratings:

Starting XI:

Andriy Lunin: 7/10

Pretty much a spectator throughout the ninety minutes. The Ukrainian couldn’t do much to stop Zubkov’s spectacular volley.

Dani Carvajal: 6/10

Caught out on a number of occasions with Mudryk making the most of his pace to beat the right-back. Didn’t offer much going forward.

David Alaba: 6/10

At fault for Zubkov’s goal. The Austrian allowed the midfielder far too much time and space and was punished for it.

Eder Militao: 7/10

Back in the starting XI after being rested against Osasuna. The Brazilian used his pace to cut out multiple Shakhtar attacks before they could amount to anything. Solid shift.

Ferland Mendy: 7/10

Rodrygo Goes: 9/10

Karim Benzema: 7/10

Vinicius Jr: 8/10

Substitutions:

Eduardo Camavinga: N/A – Came on to replace Tchouaméni late on.

Marco Asensio: N/A – Came on to replace Rodrygo late on. The Spaniard was unlucky not to score after seeing his shot hit the post.