Preview

November 3, Madrid, Santiago Bernabeu, 19:45

Match build-up

Being midway through the UCL group stage, Shakhtar are sitting bottom of the Group D table after earning a point in the match against Inter who currently have three points more and face an away game in Tiraspol this round. Real Madrid and Sheriff claimed two wins each.

The Orange-and-Blacks flew to Madrid on Monday, and on Tuesday they trained at the Santiago Bernabeu and took part in the pre-match press conference (along with Roberto De Zerbi, Dodo was answering reporters' questions). The head coach stressed that he would take all decisions on the squad on the matchday. 25 footballers are preparing for the game.

Preliminary player list

Goalkeepers: Shevchenko, Pyatov, Trubin

Defenders: Dodo, Vitao, Kryvtsov, Marlon, Matviienko, Konoplia, Ismaily, Korniienko, Bondar

Midfielders: Stepanenko, Maycon, Marcos Antonio, Marlos, Tete, Bondarenko, Solomon, Mudryk, Alan Patrick, Sudakov

Forwards: Dentinho, Sikan, Fernando

Opponents

Following the victory over Shakhtar, Madrid proved themselves in the El Clasico by beating Barcelona 2-1 at the Camp Nou (with Alaba and Vazquez scoring goals). After that, however, Carlo Ancelotti's men lost two points in the home match against Osasuna – it ended in a goalless draw. In those meetings, Dani Carvajal was back in play after missing a part of the season due to injury.

In the 12th round of their La Liga campaign, Real Madrid successfully played away in Elche. Vinicius Junior brought the vice-champions of Spain another win through his double (already his third this season). The team fielded the following squad: Courtois, Vazquez (Carvajal, 66’), Militao, Alaba, Marcelo (Mendy, 66’), Casemiro, Modric (Camavinga, 85’), Kroos, Rodrygo (Asensio, 18’), Mariano Diaz, Vinicius Jr (Hazard, 85’).

Head-to-head record

Real Madrid have regained the lead in their head-to-head record vs Shakhtar: Madrid have 3 wins, Donetsk have 2. The goal difference is 15-8 in favour of the Meringues.

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