Half-Time Report: Karim Benzema gives Real Madrid narrow lead

Karim Benzema has taken advantage of a goalkeeping error to give Real Madrid a narrow lead over Shakhtar Donetsk in their opening Champions League Group A match.

Rafael Benitez's side went on the front foot from the off in a fast-paced half and should have made the most of half-chances for Isco and Raphael Varane from Toni Kroos's corners.

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Andriy Pyatov saved well to deny Gareth Bale after the Welshman had flicked Dani Carvajal's driven cross towards goal, before Benzema wasted a glorious opportunity when he could only fire over after rounding the goalkeeper.

Shakhtar dug in against mounting possession from the hosts, but moments after Bale had gone down injured the Spanish side took the lead in soft fashion when Pyatov fumbled Isco's cross and Benzema was on hand to tap home.

Real's flow was somewhat disrupted after Bale had to be replaced by Mateo Kovacic amid the celebrations, but Luke Modric and Cristiano Ronaldo came close as Los Blancos kept up the pressure until the half-time whistle.