(Football news) Real Madrid had an incredible start to the season with 9 wins out of 9. Los Blancos were playing really well despite missing Karim Benzema through injury. Things have slowed down a little since the international break as they drew against Osasuna at home. Madrid did beat Shakhtar Donetsk and Getafe at home but their performances were not convincing. Real Madrid are lacking quality in front of goal as they are not able to convert their chances. Karim Benzema is also not firing on all cylinders like he was last season. 

After 9 points in 3 UCL matches, Real Madrid will take on Shakhtar Donetsk away from home. A win for Los Blancos will guarantee their place in the UCL knockouts. Carlo Ancelotti in his press conference said that a qualification at this stage would mean that the players can focus on the La Liga. Shakhtar on the other hand are currently 2nd on the UCL table with 4 points. The Ukrainian side has been in good form this season having lost just 1 game this season which was at the Bernabéu last week. Even though Shakhtar are playing their home games in Poland, it will be a hostile atmosphere for Real Madrid to go to. 

Carlo Ancelotti has already confirmed that Ferland Mendy, Toni Kroos and Karim Benzema will start the game. He also said that Vinicius may not play as he has been playing a lot of football. Lucas Vazquez is back from injury and is likely to come in at right back to give Carvajal some rest. Eder Militao was taken off due to injury in Real Madrid's win against Getafe at the weekend and he is likely to be rested for this match. Thibaut Courtois is still not fit while Dani Ceballos is out until December. As for Shakhtar, Viktor Kornienko is the only absentee.

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