On to Champions League last 16

Real Madrid, who remain unbeaten so far this term, claimed their place in the Champions League last-16 draw after picking up a point against Shakhtar Donetsk at the Legia Warszawa Stadium. Zubkov’s strike shortly after the restart handed the Ukrainians the lead, but the European champions always battle until the last and a towering Antonio Rüdiger header in added time secured the point required to advance to the next round. Carlo Ancelotti’s men will progress as group winners should they clinch a point against Leipzig in the next matchday.

Madrid dominated proceedings, but Shakhtar were very well organised defensively and only allowed the visitors one sight of goal in the opening half an hour. That chance came in the 18th minute, when Karim Benzema got in behind the home defence and controlled the ball inside the box, before unleashing a left-footed effort that Trubin punched away. Ten minutes before the break, Ancelotti’s troops had a fine opportunity to get their noses in front when a sublime back-heeled pass from Benzema found Rodrygo, whose shot from a rather tight angle yielded a corner for the visitors.

The visitors couldn’t have got off to a worse start, as Zubkov put the hosts ahead a minute after the restart. The Whites almost drew level on 48’ when Tchouameni‘s powerful header from a set piece went narrowly wide of the goal. Three minutes later, Benzema almost levelled from inside the area, but his shot on the turn sailed over the crossbar. The madridistas then pressed higher up the pitch, which meant that gaps were left at the back for the hosts to exploit on the counter-attack, with Traoré striking the woodwork in the 65th minute.

Real Madrid went close again eight minutes later through Kroos, who fired a long-range effort inches off target. On 87’, Vini Jr. got on the end of a pinpoint cross from Lucas Vázquez, but the Brazilian headed over from an unmarked position. In stoppage time, Rüdiger also nodded the ball just wide of the post. But the German popped up again in the dying seconds, outjumping Trubin to head the ball into the net and earn Madrid a point which seals their place in the last 16.