Real Madrid fans left the Santiago Bernabeu with mixed feelings after Los Blancos clearly beat Shakhtar Donetsk 0-3 in the Champions League opener thanks to a hat-trick from Cristiano Ronaldo and a goal from Benzema.
Rafa Benitez men played a decent game and defeated the Ukrainians easily, but they saw three of their most important players leave the pitch injured. Gareth Bale, Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane suffered injuries and could miss the next La Liga clash against Granada.
Real dominated from the start and they had very clear chances to open the score. Gareth Bale flicked a superb back-heel shot to the bottom corner following a cross from Dani Carvajal, but the goalkeeper made the save.
Benzema fired over an empty net after receiving a brilliant pass from Ronaldo and dribbling past the goalkeeper. However, the Frenchman quickly redeemed himself tapping home from close range after a terrible mistake from Andriy Pyatov, who dropped the ball at the striker’s feet.
Bale suffered a problem in his left thigh and had to be replaced by Mateo Kovacic after 30 minutes. With the Croatian on the pitch Los Merengues gained even more possession control, although they were unable to double their lead before the break.
In the second half, Los Blancos lost their two centre-backs pretty soon. Varane picked up a blow in his ankle and was replace by Pepe during the break. Minutes later, Sergio Ramos was tackled by Stepanenko, who was shown a second yellow card, and suffered an injury in his shoulder.
Cristiano Ronaldo gave his team a rest scoring two penalties that sealed the victory. Srna and Azevedo were adjudged to have handled the ball inside the box and the Portuguese beat Pyatov twice from the spot.
Ronaldo extended his impressive scoring form after having netted five against Espanyol. The Portugal international made his third with ten minutes to go converting from close range after Marcelo saw his shot blocked.
The 30-year-old has scored eight goals in two games and will seek to keep impressing in La Liga against Granada, a team Los Merengues beat 9-1 in their last meeting.
Incredible,wow! Another 3 goals jst 5years in madrid bt he scores alot of goals.at d age of 30years i dont see ronaldo stop scoring,he is stil like a 26years of age come on guys he is simply the greatest ever.
CR7 is the beat player, he score more goals all the time. i thx CR7 at My great Club Real Madrid. Hala Madrid