Team News: Karim Benzema, James Rodriguez dropped by Real Madrid

Karim Benzema and James Rodriguez have been dropped from the starting lineup for Real Madrid in their Champions League clash against Shakhtar Donetsk this evening.

The duo make way from the side that was hammered 4-0 by Barcelona in El Clasico on Saturday along with Keylor Navas, Danilo and Toni Kroos. Meanwhile, Sergio Ramos and Marcelo failed to make the trip due to injuries.

As a result, Kiko Casilla, Pepe, Nacho, Daniel Carvajal, Casemiro, Mateo Kovacic and Isco all come into the starting lineup as Cristiano Ronaldo reverts to a central striking role down the middle.

Shakhtar are without captain Dario Srna and defender Oleksandr Kucher due to suspension, leaving Ivan Ordets and Vasyl Kobin to come into the side to replace the duo at the back.

Andriy Pyatov is restored to the starting lineup in place of Anton Kanibolotskiy in the only other change from their 4-0 victory over Malmo last time out.

Shakhtar Donetsk: Pyatov, Ordets, Rakitskiy, Azevedo, Stepanenko, Fred, Bernard, Marlos, Kobin, Teixeira, Gladkiy Subs: Kanibolotskiy, Kryvtsov, Dentinho, Taison, Kovalenko, Ferreyra, Eduardo

Real Madrid: Casilla, Varane, Pepe, Nacho, Carvajal, Bale, Casemiro, Kovacic, Modric, Isco, Ronaldo Subs: Navas, Danilo, Kroos, James Rodriguez, Lucas Vázquez, Benzema, Jese

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