Last gasp Rudiger header salvages draw for Real Madrid

Real Madrid got a late draw with Shakhtar Donetsk in Poland. After an evenish start, Ancelotti's men dominated the final 15 minutes of the first half and had chances through Benzema, Valverde and Rodrygo, but were unable to take them. A Zubkov header early in the second half gave Shakhtar the lead, but Real Madrid's second half pressure paid off in stoppage time when Antonio Rudiger headed in Kroos' ball into the area to give them a deserved equaliser. The German was left covered in blood after clashing heads with goalkeeper Trubin, but he got an important goal for his team. 

Carlo Ancelotti had rested Vinicius Junior, among others, keeping an eye on Sunday's Clasico against bitter rivals Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu. However, Madrid talisman Benzema started the game after missing the 1-0 win over Getafe on Saturday, and was the first to test Trubin with a blast straight at the goalkeeper.

The Ukrainian made several brilliant saves at the Santiago Bernabeu in a 2-1 defeat last week, but had a much quieter opening half on this occasion. Trubin made another stop to deny Benzema from a tight angle, but had little else to do as Los Blancos rarely clicked in attack.

Shakhtar took a surprise lead at the start of the second half, with Lucas Vazquez failing to cut out Bogdan Mykhaylichenko's cross and Zubkov getting the jump on Mendy to head home. Ancelotti responded by withdrawing Belgian playmaker Eden Hazard, who failed to make an impact in an attacking midfield role, and threw on Vinicius and Luka Modric.

Still, the Ukrainian side, filled with youth players after many senior squad members departed because of the war, were tireless. Pouring forward, Zubkov played in Lassina Traore, who was first denied by Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, and then the crossbar, coming inches from the second goal.

Lunin was forced into another save by the electric Zubkov from distance and Ancelotti threw on more stars from the bench, with David Alaba, Eduardo Camavinga and Marco Asensio entering the fray. It looked like Madrid's unbeaten streak was up, but Rudiger's bravery at the last meant they have not tasted defeat in 13 matches, and should be in the last 16 of the Champions League, come February 2023.

 

October 11, 2022