Shakhtar Donetsk 0-5 Real Madrid: Player ratings as Los Blancos put in 5-star performance

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.

Now, let's see how the men in white rated.

REAL MADRID PLAYER RATINGS

1. Goalkeeper & defenders

Thibaut Courtois (GK) - 7/10 - Forced into a few saves after the interval, remaining composed to preserve a clean sheet.

Lucas Vazquez (RB) - 7/10 - A disciplined performance at the back, while also making some brilliant surges upfield - notably to deliver a stunning ball to force the opener.

Eder Militao (CB) - 8/10 - Starting to become the dominant force in this Real backline. Another colossal outing in which he displayed composure and authority to make eight defensive interventions and win two aerial duels.

David Alaba (CB) - 7/10 - Silky on the ball, often stepping out of defence to build play.

Ferland Mendy (LB) - 7/10 - The ideal return, looking as though he'd never been away. Razor sharp from the outset, proving impenetrable on the back foot with three ball recoveries.

2. Midfielders

Casemiro (DM) - 8/10 - A typically dominant display in the middle, reading the game well and registering eight ball recoveries to protect his defensive colleagues.

Luka Modric (CM) - 7/10 - Was once more leggy and largely overrun out of possession, but had some lovely touches on the ball - notably a superbly nonchalant assist for Vincius' first.

Toni Kroos (CM) - 7/10 - Looked a little sluggish out of possession but was typically elegant with the ball. Spread play precisely and effortlessly to make two key passes, while also having a couple of very decent efforts from range.

3. Forwards

Rodrygo (RW) - 7/10 - Bright from the early stages, always showing willingness to drive at the Shakhtar backline but was generally fairly hesitant. Made up for squandered opportunities, however, scoring to make it four.

Karim Benzema (ST) - 9/10 - Fantastic work rate, effective build-up play and an overwhelming presence in the final third. Played a huge part in all of Real's goals, notably grabbing an assist for the third and, of course, deservedly grabbing the fifth himself.

Vinicius Jr (LW) - 9/10 - Dangerously direct dribbling, often looking untouchable while bearing down on his opposition. Finished brilliantly for his first, notched a sublime second and put the cherry on top with an assist for Rodrygo. Superstar.

4. Substitutes

Marcelo (LB) - 6/10 - 100th Champions League appearance. The other 99 were more memorable.

Marco Asensio (LW) - 7/10 - Lively after his introduction, getting a lovely assist for Real's final goal.

Eduardo Camavinga (CM) - 7/10

Federico Valverde (CM) - 6/10

Jesus Vallejo (CB) - 6/10