Real Madrid vs Shakhtar Donetsk Predictions & Match Preview

Real Madrid vs Shakhtar Donetsk predictions and match preview for Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League fixture. Read on for analysis and predicted lineups as Los Blancos look to move onto 9 points.

Real Madrid vs Shakhtar Donetsk Preview

Real Madrid welcome an in-form Shakhtar Donetsk to the Bernabeu on Wednesday. This can be an exciting game for the neutral as both teams like to play expansive football. 

On Sunday, Real failed to overcome Osasuna’s low block and drew the game 1-1. This saw their impressive winning streak come to an end. The defending champions’ performance lacked dynamism and intensity and it was sometimes too predictable. Vini Jr’s fortunate long-range goal was cancelled out five minutes after Half Time via a deft back header from Kike Garcia. Karim Benzema had the chance to win it in the 79th minute but failed to convert the penalty against Sergio Herrera. 

In the pre-match press conference, Carlo Ancelotti said, “Tomorrow’s game is very important. We are ready for it. We will have a different attitude. Shakhtar are very good and we respect them.” In football, the most important game is always the next one, and Real Madrid must use that draw as motivation to come out victorious against Shakhtar Donetsk.

Shakhtar’s most recent game was a 6-1 demolition of FC Metalist. They created a lot of chances, defended well, and left Lviv with all three points. In the Ukrainian League, they’ve played five games so far. They’ve won four and drawn one and currently lead it on 13 points. 

Shakhtar always manage to produce or scout magnificent talents. The likes of Douglas Costa, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Willian, Fernandinho, and Fred have all come from the Ukrainian club in recent years. Their new gem is 21-year-old Mykhaylo Mudryk. He currently has 2 goals and 6 assists in all competitions and is on course to earn himself a big move. Premier League duo Arsenal and Newcastle are keeping tabs on the youngster and it’ll be interesting to see where he goes. As for this match, Dani Carvajal has to be aware of his pace and trickery throughout the 90 minutes, or else he’ll punish him and Los Blancos.

Possible Lineups (via Sofascore)

Score Prediction: Real Madrid 3-1 Shakhtar Donetsk

Though Shakhtar will pose a great threat on the counterattack, Real Madrid will want to impress their fans and regain their momentum. Benzema is eager to right his wrongs as well and we know that he always wants to improve after a disappointing performance.

PLEASE NOTE – Our European predictions are not betting tips! No profits are guaranteed if you’re using them to bet on Spanish teams playing in Europe. If you are gambling, do so responsibly and never stake more than you can afford to lose. BeGambleAware.