MADRID (Sporting Alert) — Gareth Bale starts on the bench for Real Madrid in tonight’s derby clash against Atletico Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid Live
The Welsh winger had been nursing an injury, but has recovered well enough to be named among the substitutes for this game, which is shaping up to be a very exciting encounter.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti has opted to start with Isco, Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Angel di Maria in his advanced positions, while Sami Khedira and Asier Illarramendi will hold things down in the middle, with Luka Modric starting on the bench.
Fabio Coentrao once again starts, alongside Pepe and Sergio Ramos with Diego Lopez in goal and Iker Casillas on the bench.
Meanwhile, Diego Costa, David Villa, Koke and Arda Turan all start for Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid side which can join Barcelona on 21 points on top of the La Liga standings with a win.
Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid
Real Madrid: 25. Diego Lopez 17. Alvaro Arbeloa 3. Pepe 4. Sergio Ramos 5. Fabio Coentrao 6. Sami Khedira 24. Asier Illarramendi 22. Angel di Maria 23. Isco 7. Cristiano Ronaldo 9. Karim Benzema.
Subs: 1. Iker Casillas 2. Raphael Varane 11. Gareth Bale 15. Daniel Carvajal 16. Casemiro 19. Luka Modric 21. Alvaro Morata.
Atletico Madrid: 13. Thibaut Courtois 20. Juanfran 23. Miranda 2. Diego Godin 3. Filipe Luis 10. Arda Turan 14. Gabi 5. Tiago 6. Koke 19. Diego Costa 9. David Villa
Subs: 1. Daniel Aranzubia 8. Raul Garcia 11. Cristian Rodriguez 12. Toby Alderweireld 15. Joshua Guilavogui 16. Oliver Torres 21. Leo Baptistao
