Moldovan football was well represented in the UEFA Champions League this season as FC Sheriff Tiraspol gave a good account of themselves in Group D as far as the group stage campaign is concerned. The Moldovan football giants were drawn in the same group with constant Champions League campaigners such as Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Shakthar Donetsk. As a matter of fact, the Moldovan football giants were the only odd ones out as the other three teams were in the same group last season alongside Borussia Moenchengladbach.
FC Sheriff started their debut campaign in the Champions League group stage with two straight wins against Shakthar Donetsk and 13-time European champions Real Madrid. The Moldovan football giants were able to secure a memorable 2-1 away win over Real Madrid. FC Sheriff could have pushed Real Madrid and Inter Milan harder for a knockout stage spot from the group if not for the three-match losing run on the back of the phenomenal win over Real Madrid.
Inter Milan beat FC Sheriff twice in a row before Real Madrid made it three losses on the bounce with a 3-0 away win as they avenged the surprising defeat handed to them by the Moldovan champions.
FC Sheriff stopped the run of three games ending in defeat by securing a late draw with hosts Shakthar Donetsk via a 1-1 scoreline. While Inter Milan and Real Madrid would be in the hat for the Champions League knockout stage, FC Sheriff will also be in the hat for the Europa League knockout stage after they dropped down to the competition thanks to their third place in Group D.
For the top spot in Group D, Real Madrid clinched it thanks to the 2-0 defeat of Inter Milan with Italian midfielder NicoloBarellagetting sent off during the game.