UEFA Champions League is round the honor with its Matchday 3 scheduled in the Group Stages. We have seen a series of upsets and comebacks in this edition of the Champions League already and there is a lot on the plate as the season progresses. After the international break, everything looks good and well set to be the witness of this list of encounters. We have a match that guarantees you everything football has assured over the years. A match which is crucial for both the sides for their quest of their 3 points on the table and also for their pride. It is the Miners facing the Royal Whites of Madrid in the coldest Atmosphere of Kyiv on this very amusing Matchday.
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Why should you watch this
Real Madrid has lost the last 2 games vs Shakhtar and might look forward to improving their head-to-head statistics with a win. For Shakhtar, all they have to do is win this match and go forward with numbers. Real Madrid might want to come back to winning ways after two upsetting defeats against Sheriff at home and Espanyol away. On the other hand, Shakhtar will try to continue their league form as they defeated FC Zorya Luhansk 6-1 and will look forward to defeating them with the same passion. It might be the only game today to be played in freezing temperatures recording -2◦C being the highest temperature at the match-time.
Shakhtar Donetsk
Shakhtar is looking good in their league table but not so good in their Champions League table. Being last in the Champions League table, they are in danger of disappearing out of sight in RO16 or even in Europa. They host Real Madrid with not-so-serious injury concerns, with Junior Morales bearing a cruciate Knee Injury and Lassina Traore being out of the remainder of the season with a Knee Injury. De Zerbi has all his best available players for selection and might not worry much for a healthy starting XI.
Form: – WDDWW
Predicted XI
Formation : 4-2-3-1
Goalkeeper: – Andriy Pyatov
Defense: – Kryvtsov, Vitao, Marlon, Mykola.
Defensive Midfielders: – Maycon, Alan Patrick.
Attacking Midfielders: – Tete, Dodo, Manor Solomon
Striker: – Pedrinho
Player to Watch out for
- Andriy Pyatov
Strong, agile, and quick reflexes, a keeper must have all these to be the best of all. Lucky for Pyatov he has all of it, he has an ability to predict the further incoming shots and save them, and maybe he might be able to avert the attacking threat of Los Blancos.
2. Tete
Tete is a player of significant importance for this club. Being a veteran, he can make plays that might confuse the defenses. Also, he is opportunistic with his shots that might help in scoring late screamers.
Real Madrid
The visitors are ready for the game, but they want to adapt to the surroundings to win this game. It won’t be easy coming from the sunny side of Spain to the coldest part of the Ukrainian Capital. Ancelotti has some good players available for the game but has a lot of injury concerns on their minds like Dani Carvajal and Marcelo. The likes of Toni Kroos coming back in the European Stages is huge news for the Whites. Defensive Areas have to be part of the concern for Real. Hazard is recovered but might not play today.
Form: – WWDLL
Predicted XI
Formation : 4-3-3
Goalkeeper: – Thibaut Courtois
Defense: – Vazquez, Alaba, Militao, Mendy
Midfielders: – Modric, Casemiro, Kroos
Attackers: – Rodrygo, Benzema, Vinicius
Player to watch out for
1. Karim Benzema
The most consistent striker for Real Madrid, who always have helped them in crucial moments might want to do the same again. His Playmaking, ground flexibility, and opportunistic long shots are well noted. He is also the Ballon D’or Contender for the year 2021.
2. Toni Kroos
The most impactful midfielder is back in action after a better recovery than last time. He is the guiding anchor of the squad and most noted for his passing accuracy. He is the guy to watch out for because he can see what others can’t.
Conclusion
We cannot predict what lies ahead but still can assure entertainment today. Cold weather in Kyiv will play its part and players will try to contribute their maximum as we might see it. So, grab your seats and keep your edibles on the plate to see this game in the comfort of your home or stadium.
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