Real Madrid will attempt to ease themselves out of a difficult patch as they travel to the NSK Olimpiyskiy for a UEFA Champions League Group D clash against Shakhtar Donetsk. Recent meetings between both teams have produced goals and a similar outcome could be on the cards here.
Shakhtar Donetsk are still seeking their first win in the competition and began their campaign with a 2-0 defeat to surprise team Sheriff Tiraspol. They followed that up with a 0-0 draw against Serie A champions Inter Milan in their second fixture.
While things have been difficult in the Champions League, Shakhtar Donetsk remain formidable in the Ukrainian Premier League. They have suffered just one league defeat this season and are second on the table, just three points off the pace.
The goals have flowed freely for Roberto de Zerbi’s men who head into Tuesday’s clash off the back of a 6-1 victory over Zorya in their previous domestic fixture.
Real Madrid suffered a shock 2-1 defeat at home to Champions League debutants Sheriff Tiraspol in their previous fixture. After going behind midway through the first half, Karim Benzema struck an equaliser from the spot but Real conceded the winner in the final minute.
It has been a difficult couple of weeks for Real Madrid, who are winless in their last three matches across all competitions. Carlo Ancelotti's men were not in La Liga action last weekend so their last outing was a 2-1 defeat to Espanyol right before the international break.
Like Shakhtar Donetsk, the goals have also flowed freely for Real Madrid this season and can count a 6-1 victory over Mallorca among their recent results. However, they have been shaky at the back and have kept just one clean sheet in their last five matches across all competitions.
How the bookies view it
Despite their recent struggles, Real Madrid still have the upper hand among the bookies at 3/5 with SBK. A victory for Shakhtar Donetsk is priced at 5/1 with bet365 while SBK is offering odds of 17/5 for a draw.
Head to head
There have been only four previous matches between Shakhtar Donetsk and Real Madrid with both teams claiming two wins each. The Ukrainians did the double over the visitors in last season’s competition with the clash at NSK Olimpiyskiy ending 2-0.
Players to watch
Lassina Traore has six goals for Shakhtar Donetsk this season and is priced at 12/5 by bet365 to score anytime on Tuesday. Fellow striker Fernando has scored three times in his last three matches and is priced at 7/2 by bet365 in the same market.
Karim Benzema is the man in form for Real Madrid and has found the net four times in his last five matches for the club. The French striker has also scored both of Madrid’s goals in the Champions League and is priced at 17/20 by bet365 in the anytime goalscorer market.
Anything else catch the eye?
There have been over 4.5 goals in two of the last three matches between Shakhtar Donetsk and Real Madrid and a similar outcome is priced at 19/5 with Paddy Power. Over 3.5 goals is valued at 32/21 with SBK while over 2.5 goals is set at odds of 20/31 with MansionBet.
Both teams have a knack for finding the net after the break and can be backed to score in the second half on Tuesday at 2/1 with William Hill.
This UEFA Champions League match between Shakhtar Donetsk and Real Madrid will be played on Oct 19, 2021 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Shakhtar Donetsk vs Real Madrid prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
