Nobody thought it was possible Real Madrid to lose to Sheriff , but that’s the magic of the UEFA Champions League. Now, the 13-time winners are in a must-win situation on Tuesday at Shakhtar Donetsk, the real dark horse in Group D.
Inter Milan already suffered during their visit to Kiev. Real Madrid deserves to come in as the favorites, but I expect them to suffer as well. Let’s take a look at the latest news, stats, injury reports, and soccer betting lines for Shakhtar vs Real Madrid.
Shakhtar vs Real Madrid Betting Lines
| Team | Handicap | Moneyline | Over/Under | Team Total |
| Shakhtar Donetsk | +1 -135 | +440 | 3 Evo | ½ -210o/+165u |
| Real Madrid | -1 +115 | -155 | 3 -120u | 1½ -180o/+150u |
| Draw | +310 |
Head to Head
- Previous Matches: 4
- Shakhtar Donetsk Victories: 2 (8 goals)
- Real Madrid Victories: 2 (10 goals)
- Draws: 0
Last season, they also collided in the UCL Group Stage. Shakhtar Donetsk shocked the world by winning both games by a 5-2 aggregate. First, they won 3-2 in Madrid thanks to an own goal from Raphael Varane. Later, they won 2-0 at home with goals from Dentinho and Manor Solomon.
A game between these two has never disappointed. The total went over three goals in three of their previous four meetings. Each finished with a clean sheet once.
New Streak
Prior to losing against Sheriff in Matchday 1, Shakhtar Donetsk had seven straight games without losing. Now, they’re only one game away from matching that mark. They’re 4-2-0 in their last six games in all competitions.
Of course, the Ukrainian Premier League can’t be compared with the UCL or La Liga. However, we also can’t underestimate it since that’s where they build their confidence. Most recently, they crushed Zorya 6-1. Fernando Dos Santos and Tete scored twice.
In a pretty smart move, they faced Zorya on Friday, giving them more time to recover. The Ukrainian side is no powerhouse, but we’re talking about a very disciplined team. Roberto de Zerbi took over as manager in May. They’ve won 74 percent of their games since he arrived.
Also, we’re talking about a more solid betting online option when playing at home. They’re 6-2-1 in all competitions. The total went over three goals in three of those games while they failed to score only once.
They went from +400 to +440 due to several injuries, including Mykola Matviyenko. Don’t read too much into it, though. It’s hard to be the favorite when facing Real Madrid, even when playing at home.
Back on Track
The international break came just in time to save Real Madrid. Los Blancos couldn’t win in their last three games prior to the break. They needed this time to regroup and avoid a crisis debate.
They haven’t played since then and that’s enough time to recover physically and mentally. Not for everybody, though. Dani Carvajal, Isco Alarcon, Eden Hazard, Luka Jovic and Eden Hazard are out due to injury. The fact that they remain as huge favorites proves how good they are. That’s why you’ll never be wrong by including them in your soccer picks.
That doesn’t mean they’re not going to suffer, and they’re aware of it.
“We know that this is a very important game. We don’t have much more room to make mistakes. We have to play well, with confidence, with strength, giving everything,” said midfielder Luka Modric during a press conference.
Real Madrid are bound to win wherever they play. They’re 4-1-1 when playing on the road, including a huge 1-0 victory over Inter Milan in Matchday 1. They also are 4-2 against the spread and over/under.
We’re also talking about a very disciplined team thanks to manager Carlo Ancelotti. Los Blancos simply don’t quit. They’ve scored in the second half in each of their last eight matches away from home.
Game: Shakhtar Donetsk vs Real Madrid
Location: Olympic National Sports Complex, Kiev
Time: Tuesday, 300 p.m. ET
TV: beIN Sports
Live Stream: fuboTV
Final Analysis, Predictions
Real Madrid and the UCL have a special relationship. Los Blancos have never been eliminated in the Group Stage. I know there are plenty of games left, but winning this one will be crucial to keep that record. It won’t be easy. Shakhtar is very strong when playing at home. I expect a close one, in which both will score.
Don’t forget to check the props our sportsbook is offering for this and other games to increase your winning chances. Our score prediction is offering a +750 price. Go with both teams to score in first half at +300. Real Madrid will win with a late goal.
Score Prediction: Real Madrid 2, Shakhtar Donetsk 1
