Actual Madrid shocked by Shakhtar Donetsk for second time in Champions League

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Having misplaced 3-2 in October in Madrid, the 13-time winner fell 2-0 in Kiev on Tuesday because of a second half objectives from Dentinho and Manor Solomon.

The Brazilian ahead, who got here on as a primary half substitute due to an damage to teammate Júnior Moraes, was the beneficiary of some sloppy defending from Rafael Varane and tapped dwelling the primary objective of the sport.

And it was one other fast counterattack that carved Madrid open but once more, with Solomon driving from inside his personal half earlier than powering the ball dwelling.

A victory in Ukraine would have secured a last-16 spot for Madrid however defeat leaves it third in Group B with only one spherical of fixtures left.

“Within the first half we have been superb, however we did not cap issues off with a objective,” coach Zinedine Zidane stated afterwards. “We pressed effectively, performed the ball effectively, however the ball did not need to go in tonight after which issues simply acquired extra sophisticated.

“It could have modified the dynamic massively if we might acquired that first objective. When Shakhtar scored it actually broken us as a result of we might been taking part in very well. We made two or three actually good probabilities and hit the publish. Sure we’re on a nasty run of outcomes however the one approach ahead is to proceed. This was a ‘last’ and we ready effectively for it; the ball simply would not go in tonight. Now we have now a sport left — we should win it and undergo.

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“I am an optimist, it is a sophisticated second however we have now to attract on our character and pleasure. It is an actual pity about this as a result of we did not need to lose right here. Now it is time to imagine.”

Israeli forward Solomon, left, celebrates scoring his team's second goal against Real Madrid.

One other upset

Regardless of having the status and the high-value gamers, Actual Madrid has stuttered throughout the 2020 Champions League.

The memorable upset by Shakhtar within the opening spherical of fixtures — during which the Ukraine facet was with out seven beginning gamers, and 10 in complete resulting from a mixture of constructive coronavirus circumstances and accidents — maybe provided a glimpse of what was to return for Actual.

A dramatic equalizer salvaged a degree at Borussia Monchengladbach earlier than two wins in opposition to Inter Milan gave Madrid hope.

Nonetheless, after a run of inconsistent leads to La Liga, together with three video games and not using a win — two defeats and one draw — Madrid seemed bereft of concepts after touring east.

Regardless of the inclusion of younger, attacking gamers Martin Ødegaard and Marco Asensio, it was the Ukraine facet who seemed probably the most harmful all through.

Dentinho celebrates with his teammates after scoring against Real Madrid.

With out creating too many openings, Madrid dominated possession however have been finally caught on the break, as Dentinho was the quickest to react after a deflected move simply missed Varane’s clutches to fireplace previous Thibaut Courtois.

Zidane threw on thrilling attackers Vinicius Junior and Isco within the hopes of making a gap however but once more, with males thrown ahead, was caught chilly.

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Having picked up the ball effectively in his personal half, Solomon drove at a backpedaling Actual Madrid protection earlier than extending the Ukraine membership’s lead.

Madrid huffed and puffed for the ultimate 10 minutes however created little or no, as the sport fizzled out with Shakhtar overtaking the Champions League specialists with only one sport left within the group phases.

Actual has by no means didn’t qualify for the knockout phases of a Champions League marketing campaign in 24 makes an attempt — so the strain will likely be on to get a end result when it faces Borussia Monchengladbach subsequent week.

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