MADRID (Sporting Alert) — Despite his ban, Cristiano Ronaldo will be allowed to play for Real Madrid in Wednesday’s Copa del Rey semi-final first leg clash against Atletico Madrid, but Gareth Bale will not feature at the Santiago Bernabéu.
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Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti had hoped Bale would have been able to play in this game, but confirmed prior to naming his starting lineup that the Wales international has an ailing left calf injury and would not be involved.
Ronaldo, in the meantime, will start as he will be able to play, despite being handed a three La Liga game suspension for his red card and gesture at officials in the 1-1 draw at Athletic Bilbao over the weekend.
It is understood that Real Madrid will appeal the decision, opening up the way for the forward to feature in today’s semifinal Copa del Rey first leg tie with Atletico Madrid.
Young forward Jese keeps his place in the starting team and will play with Karim Benzema, Ronaldo and Angel Di María.
Diego Costa, Raúl García, Koke and Diego are all amongst the starters for Atletico Madrid.
Real Madrid: Iker Casillas, Pepe, Sergio Ramos, Fábio Coentrão, Álvaro Arbeloa, Xabi Alonso, Luka Modric, Ángel Di María, Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Jese.
Subs: Diego Lopez, Raphael Varane, Marcelo, Daniel Carvajal, Isco, Asier Illarramendi, Alvaro Morata
Atletico Madrid: Thibaut Courtois, Diego Godín, Emiliano Insua, Miranda, Koke, Arda Turan, Gabi, Francisco Juanfran, Diego, Raúl García, Diego Costa.
Subs: Daniel Aranzubía, Toby Alderweireld, Javi Manquillo, Tiago, Cristian Rodriguez, Jose Ernesto Sosa, Adrián.
