Real Madrid got back to winning ways in the Champions League on Tuesday night, thrashing Shakhtar Donetsk 5-0 in Kiev to bounce back from a shock defeat to Sheriff Tiraspol last time out.
Real Madrid threatened the breakthrough more in what was a somewhat frantic first half, and eventually opened the scoring in the 37th minute. Lucas Vazquez's beautiful lofted through ball was destined for Karim Benzema, before Shakhtar skipper Sergey Krivstov's sliced interception lobbed the onrushing Anatolii Trubin - an own goal of the highest order.
Carlo Ancelotti's men then put the game to bed with two quickfire goals soon after the interval. Luka Modric's perfect slide rule pass cut apart the Shakhtar defence for Vinicius Jr to cleverly finish past a helpless goalkeeper, before the young Brazilian secured a brace with an emphatic finish after a mazy solo run.
Real then made it 4-0 just after the hour mark when Vinicius' cutback was thrashed home by fellow Brazilian youngster Rodrygo. Benzema did all he could to make it five for Los Blancos, and finally got his reward for a fantastic performance in stoppage time. Bringing down Marco Asensio's lofted ball in the box, the Frenchman clinically slotted home from close range to round off the scoring.
The dominant victory puts Ancelotti's side on six points from their opening three Champions League fixtures in Group D, drawing level with Sheriff who simultaneously fell to defeat at Inter.
