Player Ratings: Shakhtar Donetsk 2-0 Real Madrid
Real Madrid drop down to third in their group after losing to Shakhtar Donetsk for the second time this season. Los Blancos’ hopes of reaching the Champions League knockout stages hang in the balance after the damaging defeat in Kiev. Madrid have never failed to qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League, however their fate is out of their hands heading into the final round of matches next week. These are our player ratings:
Starting XI:
Thibaut Courtois: 6/10
Barely had anything to do throughout the game. Couldn’t do anything to stop the two goals.
Lucas Vazquez: 5/10
Both of Shakhtar Donetsk’s goal came from his side of the pitch. Lucas didn’t contribute in attack and was often caught out of position in defence.
Raphael Varane: 4/10
Another Champions League game, another mistake from Varane. It was the Frenchman’s error that led to Shakhtar’s opener.
Nacho: 5/10
Clumsy game all round. The defender constantly misplaced passes which made life difficult for his teammates. A night to forget for Nacho.
Ferland Mendy: 5/10
Uncharacteristic display from Ferland. The Frenchman has built a reputation of being solid in defense but was far from that today. Disappointing performance from the left-back.
Toni Kroos: 6/10
Started the game extremely well before things got very difficult in the second-half. The German was overwhelmed by Shakhtar’s press and was exposed far too often.
Luka Modrić: 6/10
Real Madrid’s best player these days. Just like Toni, Luka started the game very well before fading in the second-half. Understandable for a 35 year old playing so many games.
Martin Odegaard: 6/10
Was Real Madrid’s most creative player in the first half creating more chances (3) than the rest of the team combined (2). Just like the rest of his teammates, he disappeared in the second-half.
Marco Asensio: 6/10
Very unlucky not to score having hit the post after just 4 minutes. Despite his great start to the match, the Spaniard failed to really make a difference in the second-half.
Karim Benzema: 6/10
Produced a couple of chances that couldn’t be converted by his teammates. Wasn’t presented with any scoring opportunities and was eventually replaced by Mariano.
Rodrygo: 5/10
Having been given the opportunity to start, the Brazilian failed to replicate his excellent performances from the last two matches against Inter. A disappointing performance.
Substitutions:
Mariano: 5/10 – Didn’t have any time to make a difference.
Vinicius Jr: 5/10 – Was a late substitute but did add some spark to the attack. Unfortunately didn’t have enough time to really make a difference.
Isco: 5/10 – Barely had a chance to get involved.
