Agency :
Karim Benzema scored twice as Real Madrid defeated Shakhtar Donetsk 2-1 in the Champions League on Wednesday night to take a big step towards qualifying for the last 16 of the competition.
The win leaves Real Madrid with nine points from their four group games and another win away to Sheriff Tiraspol in three weeks will book their place in the knockout stage.
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti fielded arguably his strongest side with Casemiro, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric in midfield and Karim Benzema alongside Lucas Vazquez and Vinicius Jr in attack.
Real Madrid won 5-0 in Ukraine a fortnight ago, but Alan Patrick gave them a warning that this would be tougher when he rattled the Madrid post with Thibaut Courtois beaten.
