Granada face the daunting task of attempting to halt the Real Madrid goal-rush at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday.
Real's frustrating opening-day stalemate at Sporting Gijon has become something of a distant memory over recent outings, with Real Betis and Espanyol sent packing 5-0 and 6-0 either side of this month's international break.
Cristiano Ronaldo notched a hat-trick against the Ukrainian outfit to follow a remarkable five-goal haul at Espanyol and the Portuguese superstar is just two shy of Raul's all-time Real Madrid scoring record on 323.
"We can still improve," coach Real Benitez told reporters after the Shakhtar victory continued his impressive start to life in the Bernabeu dugout. "I don't want to sound arrogant, I am being objective.
"I said it was going to be an attacking team with the right balance and an element of hard work defending.
"I ask my forwards to make intelligent runs. They create dangerous situations and take advantage of them."
Real will be without captain Sergio Ramos after he suffered a dislocated shoulder during Tuesday's match, when fellow defender Rafael Varane departed at half-time with an ankle injury.
Bale's injury, alongside James Rodriguez’s on-going absence, could mean a first Madrid start for close-season signing Mateo Kovacic, while Pepe and Nacho replaced Varane and Ramos against Shakhtar.
Sandoval will be without Ruben Perez after the midfielder sprained his knee against Villarreal, with Fran Rico well-placed to take his place in the starting XI having netted a consolation goal last time out.
