Real Madrid vs Shakhtar Donetsk Match Prediction: November 3, 2021

Match Predictions and Betting Odds

In Group D of the UEFA Champions League, Real Madrid occupy the second position with 3 points from the two matches that they’ve played whereas Shakhtar are at the bottom of the group having been able to manage only 1 point from their two fixtures.

To advance to the knockout stages of the tournament, Shakhtar will have to score some points in their fixtures against Real Madrid and Inter Milan before facing Sheriff as the group stages come to a close. Shakhtar head into this match following a 6-1 win over Zorya in the domestic league, which has put them second in the table behind Dynamo Kiev.

Real Madrid on the other hand head into this match on the back of a 2-1 at Espanyol. This may play on the minds of the players, however the team will be eager to put aside their disappointing 2-1 defeat to Sheriff behind them as they look to score three points and get their UEFA Champions League campaign back on track.

Real Madrid vs Shakhtar Donetsk: Team News, Probable XI

Lassina Traore will not be available for selection in Shakthar’s squad for this matchup as he has been ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a serious knee injury. This will be a big blow for Shakthar’s chances as Junior Moreas is also unavailable due to a knee ligament injury.

Eden Hazard returns to the squad and will be available for selection in this matchup. However, the likes of Dani Carvajal, Ferland Mendy, Dani Ceballos and Isco are still unavailable due to injury concerns.

Shakhtar Donetsk (Probable XI): Pyatov, Dodo, Marlon, Matvienko, Ismaily, Pedrinho, Maycon, Stepanenko, Patrick, Solomon, Tete

Real Madrid (Probable XI): Courtois, Nacho, Militao, Alaba, Marcelo, Valverde, Casemiro, Kroos, Vinicius, Benzema, Rodrygo

Key Players

The Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema will be one to watch out for as in the 9 matches that he’s played in this 2021/22 La Liga season, he’s managed to score 9 goals having converted these from 18 shots on target. He also has 7 assists to his name and is critical in Real Madrid’s attack as he can not only score himself but also set up the likes of Vinicius, Modric, and Casemiro to score.

Prediction

Considering the recent form of both the teams, this is going to be a great encounter but given the head-to-head stats, Real Madrid should hold on to their lead and walk away with three points.