2-1: Madrid extend winning run in Champions League | OneFootball

Real Madrid overcame Shakhtar Donetsk after dominating the clash from start to finish to extend their lead at the top of Group F. The Madridistas, who made it three wins from three in the Champions League, now have a five-point lead over the Ukrainians, who sit in second place, with three games to play. The hosts set themselves on course for the victory with a fine first-half performance, which saw Rodrygo and Vini Jr. get their names on the scoresheet. The second half remained goalless, despite the number of chances carved out by Ancelotti’s men.

The Whites went into the game in the knowledge that it was important to take home all three points and they applied the pressure early on in the clash. Valverde went close in the 10th minute when his volley was well caught by Trubin. Three minutes later, Rodrygo opened the scoring when his shot from the edge of the area found its way into the back of the net. Madrid continued to throw everything at Shakhtar and almost doubled their lead on 25’ when Benzema’s header from inside the six-yard box forced the visiting keeper into a smart save. On the half-hour mark, a dazzling team move involving five players - Vini Jr., Valverde, Benzema, Rodrygo and Tchouameni – ended with Vini Jr., firing superbly past the keeper to make it 2-0. The second half got off to a similar start. Valverde tried his luck in the 52nd minute with a well-struck shot from the edge of the area which Trubin saved with his fists. Rodrygo had a good chance in the 64th minute after a lovely interplay with Benzema. The Brazilian's left-footed shot from inside the area was kept out by a fine save from the Ukrainian goalkeeper.

Asensio hits the post Ancelotti's side were hardly troubled from that point until the final whistle and continued to have chances. Vini Jr. could have scored in the 81st minute, but his curling effort ended up in Trubin's hands. Benzema also had a good chance in the 88th minute when his effort from the edge of the area narrowly missed the target, and a minute later he shot low and forced the goalkeeper into a save. Asensio hit the post in stoppage time from a quick counter-attack set up by Benzema. The third win in as many Champions League games.