Courtois. One more afternoon, he left his saving work: he took Taison, in the first serious Ukrainian approach, a hand in hand at 53 '. Nothing to reproach him in the two goals.
Lucas Vazquez. Another great game mutation of the critics of the past. Very involved, positioned as it should and providing depth. For Odriozola, available for Saturday, a strong competitor has emerged.
Varane. He was late in two plays, one due to an error by Nacho in which he injured Moraes and another in which he also hurt Dentinho. He was slow and clueless to solve Mendy's blunder at 1-0 and providential to block Kovalenko at 67 ', in what looked like 2-0.
Nacho. Due to his failure in delivery, Varane charged with a yellow from 14 '. He finished off with a head although too tame in 29 'and high and very forced in 52'.
Mendy. He is not a virtuoso with the ball, but this afternoon he was noticed too much, without being able to hide it with his many virtues. We must also blame him for his clumsiness in the 1-0.
Modric. He continues to offer football moments to investigate if it is true that he has turned 35. Very fresh and clairvoyant, he put Benzema before Trubin, who did not define. When Shakhtar came forward, they were outmatched on defense.
Kroos. Essential, embedded between the power plants, in the construction and very fine, as usual, in the distribution. He failed to hold the Shakhtar's lunges after the break.
Odegaard (changed in 77 '). Without giving the stretch yet, it continues to grow little by little. In the first half it was a differential falling to the left, in a triangle with Asensio and Benzema, and in the second, going down to receive and to the right, more in contact with Rodrygo.
Rodrygo (changed in 77 '). He appeared facing and leaving in 1 ', a declaration of intentions of what he would contribute until his change. He helped in his own area, surprising with a virtuous hat to move the ball away from his pair and take it to the attack.
Benzema (changed in 77 '). Little presence and little sense of danger in their attempts. A comeback with no effect.
Asensio. The best post-injury Asensio, now that the critics point to him. He pressed, stole, and his old spark showed. The post and a save denied him the goal at 5 'and 30'.
They also played:
Isco (came in in 77 '). He tried, unsuccessfully, to get between the lines with its quality.
Vinicius (came in in 77 '). He added several marches to the team, dead at 2-0.
Mariano (changed in 77 '). No opportunities.