Watch Real Madrid get torn apart by Shakhtar as Modric stunner not enough to rescue Los Blancos in diabolical defeat

REAL MADRID were 'torn apart' by Shakhtar Donestsk as they suffered a shock 3-2 Champions League defeat.

Zinedine Zidane's side were 3-0 down at half-time in their opening European game against a team decimated by coronavirus.

Tete, a Raphael Varane own goal and Manor Solomon had seemingly put the Ukrainians on the way to three points.

Soloman's third in particular rounded off a beautiful move that left the Spaniards shocked to the core.

But whatever Zinedine Zidane said at half-time worked to some extent, as Luka Modric scored a screamer nine minutes into the second half.

Then Vinicius Junior gave Zidane's tropps a real chance of achieving a memorable comeback by scoring a second.

And on 90 minutes it looked like a point had been saved as Fabio Valverde smashed home – but he was denied by VAR in late drama.

Shakhtar arrived in Spain without several key players who were not fully fit after going into isolation because of positive Covid-19 tests.

Seven regular starters and a couple of first-choice substitutes were absent, leaving coach Luis Castro raiding his B team for seven players.

Madrid coach Zidane was without some players because of injury, including winger Eden Hazard, captain Sergio Ramos and right back Dani Carvajal.

And he made several changes to the starting lineup ahead of El Clasico against Barcelona on Saturday.

Toni Kroos and Karim Benzema were among those who started on the bench – and the changes backfired spectacularly.

Speaking after the game, Modric said: "We didn't get off to a good start. I think we lacked confidence.

"We improved in the second half but it wasn't enough. We have to move on, the next match is coming up soon and we cant lose time lamenting."

It was the second consecutive home loss for Madrid, who were beaten 1-0 by promoted Cadiz in LaLiga on Saturday.

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