Real Madrid vs. Atlético lineups: Both sides start as expected
Both sides line up as expected for the first leg of their Champions League semifinal.
The teams are out for the first leg of the Champions League semifinal between Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu. The big news is that there is no news: Both Zinedine Zidane and Diego Simeone have set their stalls out as expected, with neither club having any late injury concerns.
For Real, the continued absence of Pepe is offset by the recent return of Raphaël Varane to the center of defence. He pairs Sergio Ramos at the heart of the back four. Toni Kroos and Luka Modrić flank Casemiro in midfield, while Gareth Bale’s ongoing injury problems mean Isco maintains his spot alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema in the attacking trident.
Atléti are without their two top right backs: Juanfran and Šime Vrsaljko are both currently sidelined through injury. Further problems for young defender José Giménez means it's Lucas Hernández who's given the nod in an unfamiliar position at fullback, in only his third Champions League start of the season. Facing Ronaldo is sure to be a tough test for the 21-year-old.
Atléti are otherwise as strong as ever, with Yannick Carrasco fit after an injury scare, and attacking star Antoine Griezmann partnering Kévin Gameiro up top.
Real Madrid starting lineup (4-3-3): Keylor Navas; Marcelo, Raphaël Varane, Sergio Ramos, Dani Carvajal; Luka Modrić, Casemiro, Toni Kroos; Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Isco.
Atlético Madrid starting lineup (4-4-2): Jan Oblak; Filipe Luís, Stefan Savić, Diego Godín, Lucas Hernández; Koke, Gabi, Saúl Ñíguez, Yannick Carrasco; Kévin Gameiro, Antoine Griezmann.
Follow along: Real Madrid vs. Atlético Madrid, UEFA Champions League live blog