The teams have been announced ahead of Real Madrid's Champions League matchday one match at home to Shakhtar Donetsk. Rafael Benítez's side have set up as predicted, with both attacking midfielder James Rodríguez and right-back Danilo having missed out thanks to injury problems. They've made only two changes from the side that steamrollered Espanyol on the weekend, with Toni Kroos in for Casemiro and Raphaël Varane for Pepe.
Real Madrid vs. Shakhtar Donetsk: Lineups
James Rodríguez and Danilo are both omitted from Rafael Benítez’s matchday squad.
Shakhtar have set up to mirror Real Madrid’s shape, with Taison, Alex Teixeira and Marlos making up an all-Brazilian, highly industrious attacking midfield band ahead of Olexandr Gladkiy. Veteran striker Eduardo has to settle for a place on the bench, as does his compatriot Bernard.
Real Madrid starting lineup (4-2-3-1): Keylor Navas; Marcelo, Sergio Ramos, Raphaël Varane, Daniel Carvajal; Toni Kroos, Luka Modrić; Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, Isco; Karim Benzema.
Shakhtar Donetsk starting lineup (4-2-3-1): Andriy Pyatov; Márcio Azevedo, Yaroslav Rakitskiy, Olexandr Kucher, Darijo Srna; Taras Stepanenko, Fred; Taison, Alex Teixeira, Marlos; Olexandr Gladkiy.
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