Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane
Real Madrid will begin their assault on the Champions League once again as they square off against Shakhtar Donetsk. The Blancos will be hoping to return to winning ways as they suffered a shock loss in their last game versus Cadiz.
Shakhtar will have some problems of their own with several of their players out due to COVID. Nonetheless, they are coming off a 5-1 victory over Lviv and are yet to lose this season. The game can be expected to be a cagey affair.
Real Madrid are dealing with a slew of injuries with the likes of Eden Hazard, Mariano Diaz, Dani Carvajal and Martin Odegaard confirmed to be out of the fixture. There are also a few doubtful ones such as Sergio Ramos and Alvaro Odriozola.
A lot of the team selection will be keeping in mind El Clasico at the weekend. Expect Zidane to throw some curveballs in terms of team selection.
The undisputed No.1 for Madrid, Courtois will be hoping to start this campaign with a clean sheet.
Madrid’s utility man, Nacho might have to cover for Carvajal and Odriozola and slot in on the right.
Ramos is unlikely to be risked in this fixture with the Clasico at the weekend. That leaves it open for Militao to take up the position.
Varane will be hoping to forget his last Champions League game where his errors gifted Manchester City a victory.
With Marcelo becoming error-prone by each game, Mendy is the clear choice for Zidane.
There can be no doubts about the German playing. Reliable as ever, his passing will be vital to Madrid’s progression from defence to attack.
The youngster might be given the nod ahead of Modric, again for Clasico reasons.
The Brazilian will be tasked with protecting the backline as usual.
It was a difficult choice between Asensio and Rodrygo. We decided to go with Rodrygo in the end.
The veteran striker is likely to lead the line for Los Blancos and will be hoping to get on the score sheet.
With Hazard still out, the onus will be on Vinicius to provide pace and attacking threat from the left.
