Real Madrid welcomed Shakhtar Donetsk to the Bernabeu in their opening Group A match of the 2015-16 Champions League on Tuesday evening.
The home side led 1-0 at the interval courtesy of a 30th-minute effort from Karim Benzema.
Shakhtar started the second half on the front foot, but their challenge became harder when Taras Stepanenko was sent off for a second bookable offence in the 50th minute.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored a second for the hosts from the penalty spot five minutes after the red card, before adding another from the spot in the 63rd minute.
Ronaldo then completed his hat-trick in the 81st minute to make it a miserable night for Shakhtar.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's live minute-by-minute commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's live coverage of the group stages of the Champions League returns this evening and we have all bases covered. Here in Madrid, my focus is on the Group A match between Real Madrid and Shakhtar Donetsk, but be sure to follow all of the action on the site as the night unfolds. There are some cracking games on matchday one, that is for certain!
It is worth noting that tonight's match will be the first time that these two sides have met in a European match. Paris Saint-Germain and Malmo are Group A's other two occupants and they will also lock horns this evening. Right, without further ado, let me bring you the team news...
TEAMS
REAL: Navas; Carvajal, Ramos, Varane, Marcelo; Kroos, Modric, Isco; Bale, Benzema, Ronaldo
SHAKHTAR: Pyatov; Srna, Kucher, Rakytskiy, Azevedo; Fred, Stepanenko, Marlos, Teixeira, Taison; Gladkyy
No real surprises in the Real Madrid XI this evening, with Dani Carvajal once again filling in at right-back for the injured Danilo. Keylor Navas keeps his place between the sticks, while Raphael Varane starts ahead of Pepe at centre-back. Mateo Kovacic must wait for his first start as Isco is preferred, while no surprises further forward as Gareth Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema all start.
As for the visitors, it appears that they will play a 4-5-1 formation this evening, with Oleksandr Gladkyy leading the line with support from the vice-captain Alex Teixiera, who has had a fine start to the season. The skipper Darijo Srna starts at full-back for the Ukrainian outfit, while there are five Brazilians in the XI - including Fred and Marlos, but Dentinho and Bernard are both on the bench.
So there we have it, both teams are in and we are now only around 45 minutes from kickoff in Madrid. The first group game always carries such importance and it will not come as a surprise that Real Madrid are the firm favourites to triumph this evening. Los Blancos are entering their 20th group-stage campaign and tonight will also see Benitez take charge of the Spanish giants for the first time in the group stages of this prestigious competition. Big night all-round then!
Real Madrid won their 10th European Cup in 2014, but were knocked out by Juventus in the semi-finals of the competition last season. The omens are good for the hosts tonight, meanwhile, with Los Blancos winning all three home group games in each of their last two Champions League campaigns – scoring ten goals each time. Indeed, the last time that they failed to win their opening home game of this competition was back in 1962, when they drew 3-3 with Anderlecht.
Real Madrid had built up an impressive 21-game unbeaten run at home in the Champions League entering the knockout stage of the competition last season, but that came to an end when they lost 4-3 to German side Schalke 04 in the round of 16. The Spanish outfit still progressed before overcoming Atletico Madrid in the quarters, but they came unstuck in the semis. Alongside Barcelona and Bayern Munich, they are expected to advance deep into the competition once again.
It was a fairly underwhelming start to Benitez's tenure, with a 0-0 draw away to Sporting Gijon in their league opener on August 23. Real Madrid have won their last two in the league, however, scoring 11 times and conceding zero. They will enter the match off the back of a 6-0 victory over Espanyol at the weekend in a match that saw Ronaldo become the club's all-time leading goalscorer in the league.
© AFP
In terms of what is to come for Real Madrid, they are not in Champions League action again until September 30, when they will travel to Malmo. Before that, they will welcome Granada and Malaga in the league and travel to Athletic Bilbao. The capital side are looking strong in La Liga and in truth, it would be a major surprise if they did not make it out of this particular group.
What's more, Real Madrid have only ever lost once against Ukrainian opposition – winning five of their 12 fixtures and drawing six. Not since the 2009-10 season, meanwhile, have the Spanish side failed to make it to at least the semi-finals of the Champions League. They went out at the last-four stage in 2010-11, 2011-12 and 2012-13, before lifting the trophy one season later.
Shakhtar, however, have a more modest record in this competition. The Ukrainian side did make it to the round of 16 last season, but have fallen in the group stages in two of their last four campaigns in Europe's premier competition. Their best-ever performance in the European Cup came in the 2010-11 season, when they made the quarter-finals before losing to Barcelona.
The Ukrainian runners-up are competing in their 11th group-stage campaign, but had to come through two qualifiers to make this stage – overcoming Fenerbahce in the third qualifying round, before beating Rapid Vienna in the playoffs. They have won six of their last eight opening-day fixtures in the Europe, however, and have opened away to Spanish opposition – Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad – in their last two campaigns.
As mentioned, Shakhtar made it to the round of 16 last season and looked as if they might have a chance of shocking Bayern Munich following a 0-0 draw in the first leg in Ukraine. Bayern thumped the Ukrainian side 7-0 in the return, however, to advance into the quarter-finals. That said, Shakhtar are unbeaten on the road in all competitions thus far this season.
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Shakhtar will also enter this match full of confidence following a thumping 5-0 win over Metalist in the league at the weekend. They have collected 16 points from their seven Premier League fixtures this season to sit second, three points behind the leaders Dynamo Kiev. Key players have been lost in recent seasons, but this is still a team to be feared. Little over 15 minutes until kickoff here...
Tonight could be another special evening for a certain Cristiano Ronaldo. He became Real Madrid's all-time leading scorer in the league at the weekend and would move clear as the top scorer in the Champions League with a goal here. As it stands, the Portuguese is level on 77 goals with a certain Lionel Messi. Incredibly, Ronaldo has hit 62 goals in his 63 Champions League games with Real Madrid and netted 17 in the 2013-14 season. Quite stunning numbers there.
Welcome to great Santiago Bernabeu!
Today #Shakhtar will play their first ever game against Real Madrid! #UCL pic.twitter.com/0EXgdw4B8g
— FC SHAKHTAR ENGLISH (@FCShakhtar_eng) September 15, 2015
PREDICTION! In truth, I am finding it difficult to make a case for Shakhtar this evening. They are a team full of talented players and will cause Real Madrid problems, but the Spanish side have been sensational in their last two games. For me, it will be a routine 2-0 home win tonight.
Shakhtar defender Olexandr Kucher did not look entirely comfortable during the warm-up this evening, with the central defender holding his foot following a late challenge. However, there has been no word in terms of a change so it appears Kucher will be fit to start. Good news for the visitors!
Here we go then - both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first 45 minutes of action. That wonderful Champions League tune has erupted around this famous stadium. This is the stage where all professional players want to perform. Kickoff in Madrid here is just moments away!
KICK OFF! Can Shakhtar shock the Bernabeu tonight? You sense that the visitors will need to start well if they are to secure a positive result. Right, it is the hosts that get matters underway here...
... as expected, Real Madrid have taken control of the possession in the opening couple of minutes, with Varane and Ramos enjoying touches at the back. Most opposition teams come to the Bernabeu and sit back, but there is no question that the visitors ares set up to attack here.
Not too much to report in terms of attacking pressure from either team in the opening four minutes, but Real Madrid are on the front foot. A corner from Kroos threatens to cause concern inside the Shakhtar box, but Isco misses the target from a tight angle. It was always rising there.
Half-chance for the visitors as Varane dwells on the ball and is caught out by Taison, but the midfielder's low cross is collected by Navas. Real Madrid break down the other end with Bale, but Benzema's final touch is just too heavy and the visitors manage to clear. Good tempo to the game.
Azevedo has been more than prepared to break forward for Shakhtar in the early moments here, but Real Madrid remain the team on the front foot. Kroos again takes a corner from the left, but Varane's header was always rising over the crossbar. Plenty happening in the early exchanges.
Srna and Azevedo are almost playing as wingers for the visitors at the moment, which is an indication of their intent in the final third. Marcelo has a half-chance for Real Madrid after a super cross from Ronaldo, but on the run, the Brazilian's effort was always flying into the stands.
Shakhtar continue to show their intent as their left-back, Azevedo, finds plenty of space in a wide area, but after advancing to the edge of the box, the Brazilian hits the side netting.
Shakhtar continue to impress at the Bernabeu as they pop the ball around in the middle of the park, which is bringing frustration in the stands. Real Madrid have had a couple of half-chances thus far through Varane and Isco, but the visitors are giving as good as they are getting here.
SAVE! First real chance of the game for Real Madrid as Carvajal drives down the right before firing a cross into Bale, who flicks one towards the bottom corner, but Pyatov makes the save.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side once again as Benzema combines with Ronaldo before rounding Pyatov, but the Frenchman fires over from close range!
Real Madrid again come close as Marcelo delivers a deep cross towards Ronaldo, who turns inside the box before aiming one towards the bottom corner, but it was always trickling just wide.
Real Madrid are really flooding forward at the moment and have another sight of goal when Isco feeds Kroos, but the German's effort was always rising over the crossbar. The visitors are struggling to keep the ball and they will not get away with it for too long. Still goalless here.
Shakhtar just cannot seem to get out of their own half at the moment as the pressure continues from Real Madrid, who have overcome a difficult start to take control. Benzema has had the game's outstanding chance thus far, but the French international fired high and wide from close range.
Not too much to report in terms of clear chances in the last couple of minutes, but the visitors have managed to enjoy a spell of possession, which has taken the tempo from Real Madrid.
The home supporters are not best pleased with what they are seeing at the moment as the visitors continue to enjoy good possession in the final third. You just sense that the first goal will be very important in this match. Should Shakhtar take the lead, it would be very, very interesting.
Carvajal continues to cause problems in a wide area as he drives down the right before delivering, but it is good defending from Kucher, who makes contact ahead of Benzema.
The visitors once again threaten as Teixeira drives down the left before feeding a super pass into Taison, but Varane just manages to clear. Down the other end, Bale hits the deck and stays there.
Bale is going to have to come off here...
GOAL! Real Madrid 1-0 Shakhtar (Benzema)
Real Madrid take the lead in the 30th minute as Benzema taps home from close range after a terrible mistake from the Shakhtar goalkeeper, who dropped a fairly tame cross from Isco. Terrible moment for the stopper, but the home supporters do not mind. Deadlock broken here!
REAL MADRID SUB! Mateo Kovacic replaces the injured Bale.
BOOKING! Stepanenko (Shakhtar) is booked for a tug on Ronaldo.
Ronaldo curls a free kick towards the head of Ramos, but the central defender is penalised for a push on Marlos. It has been a crazy five or so minutes here - Shakhtar need to settle.
Little under 10 minutes of the first period remaining and the home side lead 1-0 courtesy of that 30th-minute effort from Benzema, who has been among the goals this season. The visitors continue to commit players forward, however, which is contributing to a very open contest.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of minutes, but both teams continue to commit players in the final third. Srna manages to break forward for Shakhtar, but once again his cross is headed clear by Varane. Will we have another goal before the break?
Just a reminder that Paris Saint-Germain and Malmo are also in Group A and are indeed also playing this evening. As it stands, the French champions lead 1-0 in Paris. Meanwhile, in Madrid, Shakhtar are enjoying a good spell as they force a couple of free kicks in quick succession.
CLOSE! Modric strikes one from the edge of the box, but his low effort was always moving just wide of the post. Another goal for the hosts at this stage would make it so tough for Shakhtar.
Azevedo continues to make himself available on the left for Shakhtar, but the left-back has been caught offside on a couple of occasions in the last few moments. Still 1-0 to the hosts tonight.
CHANCE! Another opportunity for the home side as Marcelo delivers a super cross into Ronaldo, who had the goal gaping, but for once, the attacker's tough was just too strong!
Just the one additional minute to be played at the end of the half.
HALF-TIME: Real Madrid 1-0 Shakhtar
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with Real Madrid leading 1-0 courtesy of a 30th-minute effort from Benzema, who finished from close range after a mistake from Pyatov. Shakhtar have had their moments, but have been a little wasteful in the final third.
STATS! Real Madrid have just about shaded the possession with 52%, while they have had 10 attempts - two of which have been on target. The stats do not make good reading for Shakhtar, however, who have had just one attempt off target. Los Blancos deserve to lead at the break.
BENCH WATCH! Real Madrid have already been forced into one change here, with Kovacic replacing the injured Bale. However, Rafael Benitez still has the likes of Cheryshev and Jese in reserve. As for Shakhtar, they have forward options in the shape of Eduardo, Bernard and Dentinho.
RESTART! Here we go then - both sets of players rejoin us on the field for the second 45 minutes. Can Shakhtar find a route back into the match? The visitors restart proceedings here...
... REAL MADRID SUB! Change for the hosts at the break as Pepe replaces Varane.
No word as of yet whether Varane picked up an injury in that first period, but that seems the most likely reason for a change, especially at this stage. We are underway in the second half.
It has been a decent start to the second period from the visitors, who are enjoying plenty of the ball. A quick counter from Real Madrid threatens to bring a second goal, but Benzema cannot feed Ronaldo and eventually the Ukrainian side have a free kick. Such a good pace to this game.
RED CARD! Stepanenko (Shakhtar)
The visitors are reduced to 10 men as Stepanenko, who had been on a booking, picks up a second yellow card for flying into Ramos, who was leading a counter. Deserved red there!
That was a terrible challenge from a player that should have known better. The visitors had started this half very well, but their hopes of getting back into the game are now in trouble.
Real Madrid have taken control since the red card, with Modric and Kroos controlling the game from the middle of the park. The latter attempts to slide a pass into Carvajal, but Azevedo is on hand to make the clearance. Moments later, Srna blocks blocks a powerful strike from Ronaldo.
PENALTY REAL MADRID!
BOOKING! Srna (Shakhtar) is adjudged to have handled Ronaldo's strike inside the box and the defender is booked, as well as Real Madrid having the chance to score from the spot!
GOAL! Real Madrid 2-0 Shakhtar (Ronaldo, pen)
Never in doubt - Ronaldo scores from the spot and he is now clear as the leading scorer in the Champions League, one ahead of Lionel Messi. This could yet get much worse for the visitors.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the away side to open their tally for the evening as Taison delivers a super cross onto the head of Gladkyy, but his effort flashes wide!
REAL MADRID SUB! Nacho replaces Ramos in the home side's final change.
Ronaldo has the opportunity to score a second for the home side as he stands over a free kick just outside the box, but his effort lands on top of the net. Little under 30 minutes remaining.
Having had a closer look at that penalty decision - it was a horrible call from the referee. The ball actually hit Srna on the back, but the official pointed to the spot. Horror decision there.
PENALTY REAL MADRID!
Real Madrid are given another penalty as Azevedo is penalised for handball inside the box. For me, that is another harsh call from the referee. Ronaldo to take once again...
... GOAL! Real Madrid 3-0 Shakhtar (Ronaldo, pen)
Ronaldo, of course, scores from the penalty spot to send Real Madrid 3-0 ahead here.
This is a tough game for the visitors now, who are being smothered in all areas of the field. The two penalty calls were perhaps a little harsh, but the scoreline still says 3-0 Real Madrid.
SHAKHTAR SUB! Malyshev replaces Taison.
Plenty happening in this second period and most of it has been bad news for the visitors, who have conceded two penalties and indeed two goals in this half. Little over 20 minutes to play.
Benzema has a half-chance for the home side after more good work from Modric, but the Frenchman can only curl his effort wide of the target. Still 3-0 to Real Madrid in Madrid.
Real Madrid again break forward with Isco, who attempts to slide a pass into Ronaldo, but Pyatov just manages to claim as Shakhtar survive a fourth goal. All one-way traffic at the Bernabeu.
Another half-chance for Real Madrid as Ronaldo finds all sorts of room just outside the box, but his low effort was always moving wide of the post. Can he score yet another treble tonight?
SHAKHTAR SUB! Kovalenko replaces Marlos.
BOOKING! Kucher (Shakhtar) is booked for a late challenge on Marcelo.
All of the pressure is coming from Real Madrid at the moment as the Spanish side search for a fourth goal here. Two corners in quick succession put more pressure on the Shakhtar defence, but the visitors do manage to clear their lines. You sense that there are more goals in this.
CHANCE! Sensational chance for Real Madrid as Isco sets up Benzema with an excellent cross, but the Frenchman heads over from close range. Second terrible miss of the night for him!
Malyshev has the opportunity to threaten for the visitors after a quick break, but his effort was always flashing wide of the post. Little under 10 minutes of football remaining in Madrid.
BOOKING! Malyshev (Shakhtar) is booked for a late challenge on Carvajal.
Ronaldo steps up to take the latest free kick, but his effort is deflected wide.
GOAL! Real Madrid 4-0 Shakhtar (Ronaldo, hat-trick)
Unbelievable. Yet another hat-trick for Ronaldo as the Portuguese converts from close range after Marcelo had a long-range strike blocked by Pyatov. Four goals for Real Madrid tonight.
SHAKHTAR SUB! Bernard replaces Gladkyy.
Just the eight goals in the last two games for Ronaldo and we aren't even finished here.
Shakhtar competed very well in the first period tonight, but have really lost their way in this second half, that is for sure. Little under five minutes of football remaining in Madrid.
SAVE! Incredible save from Pyatov, who pushes a Benzema strike wide of the post!
In Group A's other fixture this evening, PSG are beating Malmo 2-0 in Paris, which is not much of a surprise. Real Madrid will be the favourites to top this section, with PSG not far behind.
Benzema, who could have had about 12 tonight, again tests Pyatov with a low drive.
Not too much to report in terms of clear chances in the last couple of moments, but Real Madrid are very much in control of proceedings as they continue to keep possession in Madrid.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes.
Kovacic has a shooting chance for the home side after good work from Marcelo, but his effort was always comfortable for the away side's goalkeeper. It remains 4-0 Real Madrid here.
SAVE! Super save from Navas, who tips a Teixeira effort over the crossbar!
FULL-TIME: Real Madrid 4-0 Shakhtar
So there we have it. Cristiano Ronaldo scores yet another hat-trick as Real Madrid open their Group A campaign in the Champions League with a 4-0 win over 10-man Shakhtar in the Spanish capital. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Until next time!
