By David Awopetu
Shakhtar Donetsk completed a shock Champions League double over Real Madrid on Tuesday, winning 2-0 in Kyiv to leave Zinedine Zidane’s side at risk of going out in the group stage.
Second-half goals from Dentinho and Manor Solomon earned Shakhtar a victory that puts them second in Group B, above Real Madrid based on their head-to-head record. Luis Castro’s side also won 3-2 in Madrid, their only other victory so far in the group.
If Real Madrid fail to beat Borussia Monchengladbach and Shakhtar avoid defeat against Inter Milan next week, then the LaLiga giants will not feature in a last-16 tie for the first time in 24 years.
Zidane’s position as manager is under threat with Real Madrid losing three of their last five matches in all competitions.
Zidane’s side have struggled for consistency this season and suffered a shock 2-1 defeat by Alaves in La Liga on Saturday, extending their winless domestic run to three matches.
Real endured a nightmare start to their European campaign as they followed up their humiliating defeat by a second-string Shakhtar side with a 2-2 draw away to Monchengladbach, courtesy of a dramatic late fightback.
Consecutive victories over Inter Milan looked to have rescued the La Liga side, but another famous victory for Luis Castro’s side has blown qualification for the knockout stages wide open.
