Varane set to start against Shakhtar?

Raphaël Varane will start Real Madrid's game against Shakhtar this Tuesday, according to ABC. The French defender was dropped against Espanyol but that was just rotations by Benítez, per that same report.

Varane and Pepe will fight for a starting spot this season with Ramos being an undisputed starter. Varane played really well on Real's first two Liga games and Pepe's performance against Espanyol was also good, so Benítez will have to make up his mind sooner rather than later. It's true that he likes to rotate his players, but who will start when Real Madrid visit the Vicente Calderón next month?

Real Madrid will kick their Champions League season off against Shakhtar at the Bernabéu. Knowing that PSG should get a victory against Malmo, Real's match against Shakhtar is a must-win for Los Blancos. It will be very important to win the group stage and face a manageable opponent in the Round of 16.