Looking to cement top spot at the Bernabéu | OneFootball

The European champions are back in Champions League action this evening with a crucial clash at the Santiago Bernabéu against Shakhtar Donetsk on Group Stage matchday three (9:00pm CEST). It's first against second as Ancelotti's boys look to take a win that would see them maintain their perfect start to their European campaign.

Real Madrid are enjoying a solid start to the Champions League after beating Celtic on the road (0-3) and Leipzig at home (2-0). Our team kept clean sheets in both encounters and that defensive solidity will be key to picking up another three points tonight. If they manage, it would be another big step towards qualification for the Round of 16. The fans are well aware of that fact and the stadium will be right behind the team as they go in search of their goal. “It's an important game because if we win it, we're on 9 points", said Ancelotti in the pre-match press conference. The Italian will be without Courtois and Ceballos, but he has Modrić and Lucas Vázquez available again for the meeting with Shakhtar, who are unbeaten in the tournament so far, having beaten Leipzig and drawn with Celtic. The Ukrainian side top their League with a record of four wins and a draw, thrashing Metalist 1-6 last time out.

Previous encounters This will be the seventh clash between Real Madrid and Shakhtar in European competition. The last time they went head to head was in last season's Group Stage, with our team winning both games. Benzema, who is back at the Bernabéu in the Champions League for the first time this season, scored both at home and on the road, while Vini Jr. struck a spectacular brace in Kiev.