Hello and welcome to Eurosport's LIVE coverage of Sheriff Tiraspol vs Real Madrid in the Champions League group stages. Kick off from the Sportivnaya Arena is in an hour.

Benzema puts the ball in the net after Kroos' shot is parried. Offside, but Madrid are stepping it up here.

Clearance for Sheriff just before Rodrygo can square to Benzema for a tap-in. The Brazilian was found by a wonderful Modric pass.

That moment could be a snapshot of this game for Sheriff. Their chances will be few and far between.

Till's kick is cleared by Carvajal.

Bruno counters for Sheriff and is eventually brought down by Mendy. Free kick in a great position to the right of the box.

Sheriff are pressing high, but Real are settling into possession.

Madrid kick us off!

That music... goosebumps. We are ready!

The players are entering the pitch...

Just under 10 minutes until kick off!

Real Madriid are warming up in Tiraspol!

Sheriff, meanwhile, have lost their last two games in Europe after a strong start to the campaign, but an unlikely Europa League spot is very much within reach, especially with Inter currently beating Shakhtar Donetsk.

A repeat may be less likely, though. Madrid are in fine form, winning five and drawing one of their last six games in all competitions.

Real Madrid know they'll be in a strong position to win Group D and will qualify for the knockout stages with a good result tonight. They are certainly expected to get it, but Sheruiff have already beaten them once this season, winning 2-1 at the Bernabeu on matchday 2. The man who scored a late winner in that game, Sebastien Thill, starts tonight.

Real Madrid go strong!

Courtois; Mendy, Alaba, Militao, Carvajal; Kroos, Casemiro, Modric; Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, Benzema

Sheriff line up as follows.

Athanasiadis; Costanzo, Dulanto, Hurtado, Cristiano; Addo, Thill; Kolovos, Bruno, Andersson; Traore.