Cristiano Ronaldo back in his renowned scoring form
Real Madrid were not taking care of business in Rafa Benitez’s first European match in control, however then they didn’t should be, and Cristiano Ronaldo’s second-half hat-trick helped the La Liga giants to a simple win. A misstep from Shakhtar goalkeeper Pyatov gave Benzema the opening goal and a slip from the consultants encouraged Ronaldo pounding in a brief moment half penalty for 2-0. At that stage, a senseless red card for going to midfielder Stepanenko had additionally made things less demanding for Los Blancos, and Ronaldo finished his most recent treble with another penalty.
Pyatov’s mistake, which came soon after Madrid star Gareth Bale had limped off the pitch, was truly the diversion’s key minute. The Ukraine international goalkeeper should have effectively asserted Isco’s cross, however, he was occupied by buddy Olexandr Kucher and struck out comfortable feet of Benzema. The Frenchman tapped into the unfilled net for his 43rd vocation Champions League goal – the most astounding aggregate for any player who has never taken a penalty in the opposition. Ronaldo thoroughly understands taking spot kicks, and he nervelessly smashed in both of his chances to move to 11 in the opposition – another of his numerous records. The main was given by one of the goal line authorities after Croatian ref Ivan Bebek had initially turned down the Portuguese’s funny cases. Replays proved the ball had plainly hit the back of Shakhtar right-back Darijo Srna. The second was clearer-cut, a conspicuous hand-to-ball by the left full-back Marcio Azevedo.
Ronaldo completed the scoring with an exemplary poacher’s exertion after Marcelo’s volley was spared by Pyatov. It took the 30-year-old Ronaldo to eight goals in his previous two games – a good answer to the persons who were discussing a dry spell after he was scoreless through the initial four tours of the season.