By
Samuel Agbelusi
Antonio Rudiger’s goal deep in stoppage time helped Real Madrid salvage a 1-1 draw with Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
Los Blancos looked set for their first defeat of the campaign in all competitions after Oleksandr Zubkov opened the scoring in the second half, only for the German to break the hearts of the home fans.
The result also means Madrid are through to the knockout stage with two matches to spare.
The contest was even in the first half, with Karim Benzema’s shot on goal in the 18th minute forcing Anatoliy Trubin into action, while Federico Valverde’s bending strike was pulled over after 40 minutes.
The Ukrainians wasted no time in opening the scoring a minute after the restart. A cross in from the left caught Ferland Mendy off guard, allowing Zubkov to head home at the far post to the delight of the home fans.
After Vinicius and Rudiger wasted chances to level the score, the German finally found a way through in the 95th minute.
Toni Kroos’ deep cross was headed off the post and in by Rudiger, who needed treatment after clattering with Trubin leaving the defender with a bloody gash in his head.
The result means Real Madrid sit atop Group F on 10 points, followed by Leipzig, who defeated Celtic in the other group match, and Shakhtar on six and five, respectively.
