class=”article_teaser__2t5do”>The Spanish champions have struggled in the final third in recent months and we are opposing them to rack up the goals in the Champions League

Real Madrid welcome Shakhtar Donetsk to the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano on Wednesday evening as Zinedine Zidane’s side play their first match in Group B of the Champions League.

The La Liga champions suffered their first defeat of the season at the weekend, going down 1-0 at home to newly-promoted Cadiz, but will be hoping to bounce back against a Shakhtar side who lost 4-0 on their visit to the Spanish capital five years ago.

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Real Madrid vs Shakhtar Donetsk Latest Odds

The Ukranian champions were unbeaten on the road in the group stages of last season’s competition, claiming a win and two draws from their three matches, and are priced at 10/1 (11.00) with bet365 while the draw is offered at 5/1 (6.00).

Madrid, meanwhile, have won just one of their last six home games in the competition but are offered at 1/4 (1.25).

Real Madrid vs Shakhtar Donetsk Team News

Eden Hazard is yet to feature this season and Martin Odegaard is also sidelined, whilst captain Sergio Ramos went off at half-time against Cadiz with a muscle problem and is not included. Right-backs Dani Carvajal and Alvaro Odriozola are also missing.

The visitors are also likely to be without some of their key men, with main goal-threat Junior Moraes set to be out along with Taras Stepanenko, Mykola Matvienko and Andrii Pyatov.

Real Madrid vs Shakhtar Donetsk Preview

Real Madrid reclaimed the La Liga title last season by producing efficient rather than sparkling performances, grinding out results with determined defensive showings.

Their goal-scoring ability has been considerably weakened over the last couple of years and this season they have continued their underwhelming form in the final third, netting just six times in their opening five league matches.

In two of those five games they have failed to find the back of the net, and serious questions will be asked if Madrid fail to score against a Shakhtar side that have conceded in each of their last 23 Champions League matches.

Nevertheless, Los Blancos have gotten used to needing just one or two goals to win matches and in their last 15 encounter they have only netted more than twice on one occasion.

Real Madrid vs Shakhtar Donetsk Tips and Predictions

Los Blancos to score under three goals has paid out in 19 of their last 22 games in all competitions and looks an interesting bet at 4/5 (1.80).

Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.