The main doubt in Real Madrid’s starting eleven to face Atletico Madrid was whether Zinedine Zidane would choose James Rodriguez or Mateo Kovacic for midfield. The French manager has finally picked the Colombian, who will feature alongside Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and Isco.
In defence, Daniel Carvajal will move to left-back replacing Marcelo, while Danilo comes in as right-back. Raphael Varane, who returns from a one-match suspension, will be Sergio Ramos pair at centre-back.
Karim Benzema also returns to the starting eleven after recovering from his hip problems and will feature in the forward line alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. As usual, Keylor Navas will keep goal.
This will be Real Madrid’s starting eleven: Navas; Danilo, Varane, Ramos, Carvajal; James Rodriguez, Modric, Kroos, Isco; Benzema, Ronaldo.
Meanwhile, Diego Simeone has included Saul Niguez and Fernando Torres in his starting eleven, as he is missing regular starters Ferreira Carrasco and Tiago Mendes due to injury.
This will be Atletico Madrid’s starting eleven: Oblak; Torres, Gimenez, Godin, Filipe Luis; Niguez, Augusto Fernandez, Gabi, Koke; Torres, Griezmann.
