Vinicius Junior and Karim Benzema ran the show as Real Madrid thrashed Shakhtar Donetsk 5-0 in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night.
Coming into the game on the back of a three-match winless run, Real Madrid were in desperate need of a victory. And after probing the Shakhtar Donetsk defence for much of the first half, they got their breakthrough in the 37th minute when the hosts’ captain Serhiy Kryvtsov diverted a Lucas Vazquez cross into his own net.
Six minutes into the second half, Real Madrid were two goals up as Vinicius Junior scored with a neat finish after being played in by Luka Modric, before the Brazilian doubled his tally for the night with a stunning solo strikes minutes later. His compatriot, Rodrygo Goes, made it 4-0 in favour of Los Blancos just after the hour mark, with Vinicius getting the assist this time out.
There was time for a late fifth strike as well, as Karim Benzema, who had been top-notch throughout the contest, buried home Marco Asensio’s cross in stoppage time. The victory means Real Madrid are now tied on points with Group D leaders Sheriff Tiraspol, who lost to Inter Milan on the night. Here are our player ratings for Carlo Ancelotti’s men from their emphatic victory in Kyiv.
Real Madrid Player Ratings
Thibaut Courtois: 7/10
Not troubled a great deal in the first half, the Real Madrid shot-stopper was called into action a few times after the break, but was focused to deny the home team and secure a clean sheet.
Lucas Vazquez: 7/10
Getting the nod at right-back again, the Spaniard was a bundle of energy as he ran up and down the pitch, acting as a key attacking outlet. Forced the own goal with a peach of a cross while defending diligently for large parts even though there were a few issues against Manor Solomon.
Eder Militao: 7.5/10
Apart from one moment when he got caught trying to dribble past an opponent close to his own box, the Brazilian was rock solid at the back. Swept up everything that came his way, strong in the air and on the ground, while he was always eager to carry the ball forward from the back.
David Alaba: 7.5/10
Yet another assured and composed display from the Austrian, who is fast establishing himself as the leader of the Real Madrid defence. Read the game well and stepped out to cut threats while using the ball very well in possession. Often drove forward to initiate or get involved in build-up play.
? | David Alaba completed 86/88 passes against Shakhtar Donetsk – 97.7% passing accuracy. ?
— RMadridHome (@RMadridHome) October 19, 2021
Ferland Mendy: 7/10
Featuring for the first time in over four months, the Frenchman hardly looked off pace or out of tune. Assured throughout in defence while providing a regular outlet on the left flank with his forward forays. Withdrawn with twenty minutes left.
Luka Modric: 7.5/10
There were moments when he appeared a bit off-pace but it was a largely positive outing from the veteran midfielder, who carried the ball forward with purpose and was sharp in his movement, which helped create space for those around him. Set Vinicius up for his first goal with a stunning pass that cut right through the Shakhtar defence.
Casemiro: 7.5/10
Back to his dominant best in the middle of the park after a jittery start to the new season. Read the game well, anticipated threat and was there to cut it out before it got dangerous. Made numerous ball recoveries and was judicious and intelligent with his use of possession.
Toni Kroos: 7.5/10
Toni Kroos vs Shakhtar:
• 76 passes completed (96.3%).
• 9/10 long passes completed.
• 2 chances created.
• 4/6 duels won.
• 3/3 tackles completed.The usual. pic.twitter.com/QJsGTwAMJx
— TC (@totalcristiano) October 19, 2021
Dictated the tempo of the game with his array of passes, effortlessly switching play or creating chances for his teammates. Even had a go at the goal on a couple of occasions from distance. Needs to sharpen up his game a bit when not in possession, but a little slack was expected given how long he has been out of action for. Getting back to his best, though.
Rodrygo Goes: 8/10
Dangerous on the ball and a workhorse off it, the Brazilian put in a shift on the right-side channel for Real Madrid. Linked up well with those around him, although there were occasions when his end product let him down. But made up for it with a well-taken goal to make it 4-0 in the second half.
Karim Benzema: 9/10
May have had just one goal to show for on the night, but it is Benzema that brings it all together for Real Madrid in the final third. Pressed the opposition cleverly, executed neat link-up play throughout and was involved in the buildup to multiple goals on the night. Got the assist for the third goal of the night, before burying one into the net himself to make it 5-0. Brilliant.
Benzema: 11 games, 11 goals, 8 assists
Vinicius Jr.: 11 games, 7 goals, 5 assists
They’re showing their class this season ? pic.twitter.com/V0p0yu36ST
— B/R Football (@brfootball) October 19, 2021
Vinicius Junior: 9/10
The good start to the season continues for Vinicius Junior. Posed a huge threat on the left side each time he got on the ball and ran at the Shakhtar defence. Executed a composed finish for his first goal of the night before scoring a brilliant solo strike minutes later, when he ran past several Shakhtar players before finding the back of the net. Capped off with an assist for the fourth goal.
SUBSTITUTES
Marcelo: 6/10
On for Mendy for the final twenty minutes. Did little of note.
Marco Asensio: N/A
On for Rodrygo in the 78th minute. Got the assist for the fifth goal.
Federico Valverde: N/A
Replaced Kroos with a little over ten minutes left on the clock.
Eduardo Camavinga: N/A
Sent on in place of Modric. Aggressive and purposeful in his short cameo.
Jesus Vallejo: N/A
Late substitute for Militao.
Play good game