Real Madrid: Three keys to a victory against Shakhtar Donetsk
By Ben Sundock
Real Madrid can clinch a spot in the Champions League round of 16 with a win over Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday night in Ukraine.
Coming off of another disappointing loss in La Liga to a team Real Madrid should never lose to, Zinedine Zidane’s men are now looking for revenge against Shakhtar who defeated them in the first group stage match this season.
With several huge league fixtures on the immediate horizon, how will Los Blancos lineup for this match and how will the manage without Eden Hazard? Here are the three keys to a win!
Lean on Karim Benzema and Rodrygo
Real Madrid should have striker Karim Benzema back for this game after the French international has spent the last several weeks on the mend. Mariano Diaz has suddenly emerged as the lone striker available for selection with Luka Jovic recovering from COVID-19 and Benzema out with a muscle issue.
Having The Big Benz back to lead the attack should be a huge boost considering Eden Hazard is injured *once again*.
Since this is a must-win game, I hope to see Benzema leading the attack with the two young Brazilians – Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo – on the flanks. Another injury to Dani Carvajal means Lucas Vazquez will likely have to move back to fill the void at right back.
Rodrygo’s recent UCL form is enough reason to give him the start and knowing him, he will likely snag a beautiful goal at some point. On the left, Vinicius has struggled in the final third, but he and Karim seemed to be clicking before the number nine was injured.
Maybe there is a chance Rodrygo plays on the left – where he has been very good – and Marco Asensio starts on the right, but one thing I know for sure is that Rodrygo and Karim will be tasked with getting the goals.