Champions League Player Ratings: Real Madrid 2 - 3 Shakhtar Donetsk

Disaster in Madrid for Zinedine Zidane’s side as the open their campaign with an embarrassing loss in the group stage. Real Madrid had little spark and had countless mistakes in their 2-3 loss to Shakhtar Donetsk.

Here are the player ratings.

Thibaut Courtois — 6: The Belgian will be writhing and rightfully so. Individually he had a good showing and saves multiple shots from the speedy and quick-thinking opponents but was left out to dry by his defenders.

Ferland Mendy —5: Out of position tonight covering the right side and looked extremely uncomfortable. Often caught up top in attacking positions which lead to Shakhtar exposing acres of space. Can definitely be better, we’ve seen much better.

Raphael Varane—4.5: Champions League woes continue for the French centre-back. Couldn’t play with Militão and together the two let Shakhtar walk all over them. Plus, he scored an own goal.

Eder Militão—4: Absolutely chaotic performance from the Brazilian, who steps in for Ramos. He did the same against Cadiz in the league and looked good, but tonight he was disastrous. Constantly out of position, never fully committed to any challenges and was at fault for multiple goals.

Marcelo—4.5: Wore the captain’s arm band tonight but looked like anything but. Started strong but as soon as Shakhtar started scoring, Marcelo was dejected and couldn’t get his team motivated when they needed to be. Flashes of skill here and there but nothing good enough.

Fede Valverde—5: Another player with a quiet first half but he turned on the after burners in the second, using his speed and interceptions skills to regain possession. Could have used those skills in the first half, though. His shot in the 92 minute was correctly ruled out.

Casemiro—5.5: Was one of the only players to actually try and get the ball rolling in the first half. Played with some-mild intensity but still couldn’t spark much. Did well in the second to help the wide-open defence.

Luka Modric—6: First half Modric didn’t do much, but he clearly wasn’t letting the game go in the second half and scored the club’s first goal (wonderful one at that). Subbed after 70 minutes.

Asensio —5.5: Was the heart of the attack for the first 15 minutes of the game for Real and looked eager to set up teammates. Had some misplaced crosses that didn’t amount to anything but the effort is worth noting. Only starting attacker to play all 90 minutes.

Rodrygo—3: Basically didn’t touch the ball all first half. Getting the start he should have taken the opportunity to try and make the most of it but was beyond quiet. Subbed at half.

Jovis—3: Another chance was handed to the striker in a game where Real desperately needed a goal but again, nothing. Had a soft header in the beginning but his stagnant positioning made Real’s attack stale which had one less person adding to the flow of team. Subbed after 59 minutes.

Substitutions:

Benzema - 6: Came on at halftime for Rodrygo and instantly tried to make an impact. Decent play-making ideas and helped re-shape the squad on the pitch.A few decent attempts, unfortunate not to get the finishing touch on anything.

Vini Jr. - 6: What a start from the Brazilian. Came on for the stagnant Jovic and immediately, and I mean immediately, adding a spark to the squad scoring 14 seconds after coming on. Really tried to penetrate Shakhtar’s defence until the dying minutes.

Toni Kroos - 5: Not anything too noteworthy from the German international. Came on as fresh legs in the midfield for Modric after 70 minutes. Inch-perfect crosses gave some players some scoring opportunities.