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Pirlo: Cristiano Ronaldo Boosts Champions League Chances

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TURIN — Cristiano Ronaldo move to Juventus will make a big difference for the Serie A champions in the Champions League, former Italian midfielder Andrea Pirlo said.

Ronaldo completed his reported £105million switch from Real Madrid to Juventus in the summer transfer window.

The Portugal international had a successful career at Real Madrid since his move from Manchester United in 2009.

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Ronaldo won four Champions League titles with the Spanish giants, including the last three, two league titles, two Spanish Cups and three Fifa Club World Cups and Pirlo believes ‘will make the difference’ for Juventus in the European tournament.

During his time at the San Bernabeu, the 33-year-old also became the club’s record scorer with 451 goals across 438 games.

“Cristiano Ronaldo can bring that something extra, which Juventus need,” he told Sky Sport Italia.

“I’m happy that a great champion has joined Juve. Buying a player like him doesn’t win you the Champions League alone, but you get a lot closer to it.

“Ronaldo is a player who tilts balances, and he can help Juventus win the Champions League.

“He’s a top player, he’ll make the difference and we’ll see something beautiful.”

Real Madrid Agrees To Sell Ronaldo – Guillem Balague

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Cristiano Ronaldo is almost certain to leave Real Madrid for Juventus, according to Sky Sports Spanish correspondent Guillem Balague.

Balague revealed on his YouTube channel that a deal has been agreed between Real Madrid and Juventus to sign Ronaldo, with the Italian champions “willing to pay €100m.”

“The story comes out, leaked in my opinion from Ronaldo’s camp. Everything is agreed with Juventus, who are willing to pay €100m,” Balague said.

Real Madrid To Swap Ronaldo For Manchester United’s Lukaku – Reports

“Next Real say you have to pay more and then it gets leaked from Madrid that maybe we are willing to let you go.

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“And this is now a game of poker with Ronaldo saying ‘I’m going’ and Real saying, ‘OK, you can go!’

“But the chord is being so stretched that at some point it could break in a way that has never happened before.”

Balague has also admitted that Ronaldo has never been so close to leaving Real Madrid.

Ronaldo Interested In Manchester United Return: Sky Sports

He had written earlier on his official Twitter account: In his head, Cristiano is a Juventus player. Juve has found a financial way to pay for his wages and fee. Real Madrid willing to let him go.

“No offer has arrived yet to Real, but Jorge Mendes has confirmed to Real that it will. He has never been this close to leaving. Will he?

Cavani Nets Twice, Uruguay Ousts Portugal: World Cup Score

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SOCHI, Russia — Edinson Cavani scored twice and Uruguay eliminated Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal from the World Cup with a 2-1 win in the round of 16 at Fisht Olympic Stadium on Saturday.

The victory for Uruguay see them joining their next opponents, France, in the next round, while Ronaldo joined La Liga rival Lionel Messi as two of the tournaments superstars out of the World Cup on the same day.

Mbappe Brace Sends Messi, Argentina Home: World Cup Result

Cavani broke the deadlock for Uruguay in the seventh minute when he headed home powerfully off a cross by his strike partner Luis Suarez.

Uruguay conceded its first goal of the 2018 World Cup when experienced centre-back Pepe equalized for Portugal in the 55th minute.

However, Cavani struck again with a perfectly-placed side-footed shot to restore the lead for the South Americans in the 62nd minute and they held on to progress to a World Cup quarterfinals for the first time since finishing fourth at the 2010 edition in South Africa.

There were be some anxious moments, though, for the two-time world champion after Cavani limped off the field in the 74th minute and was helped by Ronaldo.

“I tweaked my calf. Strains like that can be tricky injuries; I’ll have to undergo tests to see how serious it is,” said Cavani.

“We’ve got to keep dreaming. We’ll see how it goes – here’s hoping I’m fit to continue battling alongside my team-mates next time round.”

Ronaldo, who has scored four goals in the tournament, was unable to break loose from the Uruguay defenders and was even booked in frustration towards the ending minutes of the contest.

The European champion also missed a number of late chances to potentially send the match into extra-time.

France, which ousted Messi and Argentina 4-3 earlier Saturday, will next face Uruguay in a quarterfinal match next week.

Uruguay’s coach Lucas Torreira told FIFA “France have some great individuals and they’re going to be difficult opponents, but we’ve got our weapons and we’re already thinking about preparing as well as possible for that game.”

Real Madrid To Swap Ronaldo For Manchester United’s Lukaku – Reports

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LONDON — The Daily Star in the UK is reporting that Real Madrid are interested in a swap deal for Manchester United forward Romelu Lukaku this summer.

According to the newspaper, Real Madrid are looking to bolster their attack for coming season and have identified Lukaku as the ideal man to lead the forward line, as a replacement for Karim Benzema.

It is understood that Ronaldo would like to leave the Spanish side this summer and the Daily Star claims Los Blancos are ready to offer the Portugal international in what would be a massive swap deal with his former club, Manchester United.

cristiano ronaldo celebrates
Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates – World Cup 2018

Diario Gol claims that Real Madrid are apparently ready to offer Manchester United £44m and Ronaldo for Lukaka.

Both players are currently with their respective international teams preparing for the round of 16 phase of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Ronaldo and Lukaka have also scored four goals apiece at the World Cup, with the latter playing just two of the three matches in the group round.

Lukaku has a productive first season with Manchester United last term, following his move from Everton, scoring 27 goals in all competitions.

The 25-year-old is also the all-time leading goalscorer in the history of Les Diables Rouges and has been rated highly by former Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho, who is now at Old Trafford.

Ronaldo, who helped Real Madrid win three successive Champions League title this past May, has been impressive in Russia – scoring a hat-trick in the 3-3 draw with Spain the opening game of the tournament for both nations.

It is understood the Ronaldo would be interested in a return to Manchester United and the English Premier League and there are also reports suggesting that contact has been made between the Red Devils and the Spanish side.

No transfer would happen until after the World Cup was concluded.

FIFA World Cup Day 2 Schedule, TV Channels, Previews: June 15

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SOCHI, Russia — The 2018 FIFA World Cup continues on Friday’s second day with three games, including the much anticipated Group B battle between Spain and Portugal.

All games will be streamed live on Fox Sports GO in the United States, while Fox Network and Fox Sports 1 USA will also have the television coverage. Stroll to the bottom of this article for the game times and respective stream networks.

Cristiano Ronaldo, the World Player of the Year, and one of the superstars at this year’s World Cup, will be hoping to take advantage of Spain’s internal issues, following the sacking of head coach Julen Lopetegui two days before Friday’s game.

Spain entered the tournament as one of the favorites, but fired Lopetegui because he accepted the Real Madrid job before the end of the tournament and the Spanish Soccer Federation only found out five minutes before the announcement was made.

Former player Fernando Hierro will lead the team in Sochi at Fisht Olympic Stadium, which hosts the first World Cup game at the venue.

Portugal has also had to fend off their own distractions since captain and star forward Cristiano Ronaldo hinted he would make an announcement about his future.

The Real Madrid forward has recently been linked to a move away from the three-time Champions League winners.

Kicking things off, though, at Central Stadium in Yekaterinburg in the Group A encounter between Egypt against Uruguay.

Egypt will be making its first FIFA World Cup appearance in 28 years and has concerns over the health of star forward, Liverpool man Mohamed Salah, who suffered an arm injury in the Champions League final

Salah has been receiving treatment in Russia, but is expected to play.

The other Group B game will see Morocco facing Iran at Krestovsky Stadium.

Friday, 15 June 2018
FIFA World Cup

All Time In Eastern Standard

8:00am Egypt vs Uruguay Fox Sports 1, FOX Sports GO
11:00am Morocco vs Iran FOX Network, FOX Sports GO
2:00pm Portugal vs Spain FOX Network, FOX Sports GO

FIFA World Cup 2018: Group B Squads; Spain, Portugal, Iran, Morocco

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SPORTING ALERT — As we approach the 2018 World Cup tournament in Russia, the following are the Group B teams and squads that were confirmed by their respective football federations for this summer.

Group B for Russia 2018 is comprised of Spain, Portugal, Iran and Morocco.

Spain and Portugal are expected to advance from this group, as the two squads are boost by some of the world’s be players that have already played at the big stages.

Headlining the list of names to look out for in Group B are Portugal captain and Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo, along with the likes of David de Gea (Manchester United), Isco (Real Madrid), David Silva (Manchester City), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona) and Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid) of Spain.

Morocco defender Mehdi Benatia, who plays for Juventus in the Italian Serie A and Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva from Portugal are other players to keep an eye on.

Meanwhile, the notable omission from the Spanish team is that of Chelsea forward Alvaro Morata, who joined the likes of fellow English Premier League stars Cesc Fabregas, Marcos Alonso, Ander Herrera and Hector Bellerin left out of Julen Lopetegui squad.

2018 WORLD CUP GROUP B SQUADS

Portugal

Goalkeepers: Anthony Lopes (Lyon), Beto (Goztepe), Rui Patricio (Sporting Lisbon)

Defenders: Bruno Alves (Rangers), Cedric Soares (Southampton), Jose Fonte (Dalian Yifang), Mario Rui (Napoli), Pepe (Besiktas), Raphael Guerreiro (Borussia Dortmund), Ricardo Pereira (Porto), Ruben Dias (Benfica)

Midfielders: Adrien Silva (Leicester), Bruno Fernandes (Sporting Lisbon), Joao Mario (West Ham), Joao Moutinho (AS Monaco), Manuel Fernandes (Lokomotiv Moscow), William Carvalho (Sporting)

Forwards: Andre Silva (AC Milan), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City), Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Gelson Martins (Sporting Lisbon), Goncalo Guedes (Valencia), Ricardo Quaresma (Besiktas)

Spain

Goalkeepers: David de Gea (Manchester United), Pepe Reina (Napoli), Kepa Arrizabalaga (Athletic Bilbao).

Defenders: Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Nacho Monreal (Arsenal), Alvaro Odriozola (Real Sociedad), Nacho Fernandez (Real Madrid), Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea).

Midfielders: Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Isco (Real Madrid), Thiago Alcantara (Bayern Munich), David Silva (Manchester City), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Saul Niguez (Atletico Madrid), Koke (Atletico Madrid).

Forwards: Marco Asensio (Real Madrid), Iago Aspas (Celta Vigo), Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid), Rodrigo Moreno (Valencia), Lucas Vazquez (Real Madrid).

Morocco

Goalkeepers: Mounir El Kajoui (Numancia), Yassine Bounou (Girona), Ahmad Reda Tagnaouti (Ittihad Tanger)

Defenders: Mehdi Benatia (Juventus), Romain Saiss (Wolves), Manuel Da Costa (Basaksehir), Badr Benoun (Raja Casablanca), Nabil Dirar (Fenerbahce), Achraf Hakimi (Real Madrid), Hamza Mendyl (LOSC)

Midfielders: M’barek Boussoufa (Al Jazira), Karim El Ahmadi (Feyenoord), Youssef Ait Bennasser (Caen), Sofyan Amrabat (Feyenoord), Younes Belhanda (Galatasaray), Faycal Fajr (Getafe), Amine Harit (Schalke 04)

Forwards: Khalid Boutaib (Malatyaspor), Aziz Bouhaddouz (Saint Pauli), Ayoub El Kaabi (Renaissance Berkane), Nordin Amrabat (Leganes), Mehdi Carcela (Standard de Liege), Hakim Ziyech (Ajax).

Iran (preliminary)

Goalkeepers: Alireza Beiranvand (Persepolis), Seyed Hossein Hosseini (Esteghlal), Rashid Mazaheri (Zob Ahan), Amir Abedzadeh (Maritimo).

Defenders: Ramin Rezaeian (Ostende), Voria Ghafouri (Esteghlal), Steven Beitashour (Los Angeles FC), Seyed Jalal Hosseini (Persepolis), Mohammad Reza Khanzadeh (Padideh), Morteza Pouraliganji (Alsaad), Mohammad Ansari (Persepolis), Pejman Montazeri (Esteghlal), Seyed Majid Hosseini (Esteghlal), Milad Mohammadi (Akhmat Grozny), Omid Norafkan (Esteghlal), Saeid Aghaei (Sepahan), Roozbeh Cheshmi (Esteghlal).

Midfielders: Saeid Ezatolahi (Amkar Perm), Masoud Shojaei (AEK Athens), Ahmad Abdolahzadeh (Foolad), Saman Ghoddos (Ostersunds), Mahdi Torabi (Saipa), Ashkan Dejagah (Notthingham Forest), Omid Ebrahimi (Esteghlal), Ehsan Hajsafi (Olympiacos), Ali Karimi (Sepahan), Soroush Rafiei (Al Khor), Ali Gholizadeh (Saipa), Vahid Amiri (Persepolis).

Forwards: Alireza Jahanbakhsh (AZ Alkmaar), Karim Ansarifard (Olympiacos), Mahdi Taremi (Al Gharafa), Sardar Azmoun (Rubin Kazan), Reza Ghoochannejhad (Heerenveen), Kaveh Rezaei (Charleroi).

Real Madrid v Barcelona El Clasico 2017: Watch Live, Lineups

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MADRID, Spain — Cristiano Ronaldo is “feeling good” and starts for Real Madrid in today’s El Clasico clash with the Lionel Messi led Barcelona, live on beIN SPORTS and beIN SPORTS CONNECT U.S.A.

However, fellow forward Gareth Bale, who was hoping to start, is only on the bench to start this game, with Karim Benzema to support the free-scoring frontman in that attack.

Ronaldo had been missing training with a calf problem he suffered against Gremio in the Club World Cup final last Saturday, but manager Zinedine Zidane confirmed that the forward is “100 percent” fit and ready to play.

The Portugal international scored the winning goal for Real Madrid in the 1-0 win over Gremio and had played the full 90 minutes.

“He is feeling good and is 100 percent,” Zidane told his press conference on Friday.

Isco is also on the bench as Toni Kroos, Casemiro, Mateo Kovacic and Luka Modric all start in midfield.

Meanwhile, Gerard Pique and Thomas Vermaelen start at centerback for Barcelona, as Samuel Umtiti is out.

In midfield, Paulinho comes in to replace Alacer from the side that won over Deportivo, while Messi and Luis Suarez lead the attacking line.

Listen El Clasico: CLICK HERE TO LIVE El STEAM REAL MADRID V BARCELONA COMMENTARY ON talkSPORT2, KICK-OFF 7AM ET.

With a win on Saturday, Barcelona would go nine points clear at the top of the La Liga standings.

A defeat for Real Madrid would see Zinedine Zidane’s side trailing its arch rivals by 14 points.

Real are sitting fourth in the La Liga standings, but have played one game less than Barcelona, so if they win at the Santiago Bernabeu in this fixture and beat Leganes in their game in hand against would see the champions cutting the gap with Barca to five points.

“We aren’t feeling anxious, it doesn’t matter how many points we have dropped this season, now we have to put in a great performance against a very good side,” said Zidane.

Despite sitting comfortably at the top of the standings Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde isn’t expecting an easy trip to Madrid.

“I don’t think we are favourites, the league table has no influence on games like this because of the tension there always is,” he said.

“Madrid are such a powerful team that they can strike you down even when you’re in your best moment of form. Also, they will be at home.”

REAL MADRID TEAM NEWS

Real Madrid Team to play El Clasico: Navas, Carvajal, Varane, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo, Casemiro, Modric, Kroos, Kovacic, Ronaldo, Benzema. Subs: Casilla, Nacho, Bale, Theo, Vazquez, Asensio, Isco

BARCELONA TEAM NEWS

Barcelona Team to play El Clasico: Ter Stegen, Sergi Roberto, Pique, Vermaelen, Alba, Busquets, Iniesta, Rakitic, Paulinho, Suarez, Messi. Subs: Cillessen, Semedo, Denis Suarez, Mascherano, Digne, Andre Gomes, Vidal

Ronaldo Interested In Manchester United Return: Sky Sports

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MANCHESTER, Sporting Alert — Manchester United are very interested in re-signing Cristiano Ronaldo and Sky Sports is reporting that the Portugal forward is also interested in returning to Old Trafford.

The Real Madrid star wants to quit Spain over tax problem and Sky Sports is saying that a source close to the player says Manchester United is a possible destination.

Ronaldo has been accused of evading tax of £14.7m between 2011 and 2014, and he has been expressing his frustration and anger about the way he has been targeted by Spanish tax authorities.

Manchester United sold the free-scoring attacker to Real Madrid for a then-world record fee of £80m in the 2009 summer transfer window and has scored 285 goals in 241 league appearances since his move.

However, things haven’t always been very smooth between Real Madrid and Ronaldo and the Red Devils have tried at least once since his departure to set up a return deal.

A Sky Sports source claimed that United are very close to Ronaldo’s heart and he would welcome a move back to Old Trafford to help the English Premer League club in its rebuilding.

Manchester United have money to spend big in the transfer window but are being very careful about being drawn into a transfer adventure.

Of course, the Red Devils would welcome his return, but Ronaldo, who signed a new five-year deal last November, remains contracted to Real Madrid until 2021 and they will do everything they can to keep him.

This is why Manchester United believe the four-time Ballon d’Or winner will eventually sort out his future and stay with the Spanish and European champions.

French big spenders, Paris Saint-Germain have also shown interest in signing the 32-year-old, while it is understood AC Milan owners have been in contact this summer with the player’s agent Jorge Mendes about his availability.

Manchester City have also been linked with the signature of Ronaldo, but given his love and respect for Manchester United, it is difficult to see the the once Reds moving to wear the Blues.

Real Madrid v Juventus: 2017 Champions League final LIVE STREAM!

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CARDIFF, Wales, Sporting Alert — Gareth Bale starts on the bench for Real Madrid for today’s Champions League final against Juventus at the National Stadium in Cardiff.

Bale, who is coming off an injury, was hoping to start in front of his hometown supporters in Wales, but will have to watch as a reserve to start this one, as boss Zinedine Zidane opted to give Isco the nod in the starting XI.

Meanwhile, Spanish defender Dani Carvajal, who was questionable for the final, is fit to start and he comes in for Brazilian Danilo at full-back.

Joining Iso in the attack are Cristiano Ronaldo, who starts on the left and Karim Benzema, who will lead the line from the center.

Besides Bale, striker Álvaro Morata, who is being linked with a move away from the Spanish champions, also starts the game on the bench but is expected to play a part before the final whistle.

Meanwhile, veteran goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, seeking his first Champions League title, will start between the sticks for Juventus.

Dani Alves, Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli will be among the protectors for Buffon.

Former Real Madrid forward Gonzalo Higuaín leads the attack for the Italian Serie A champions, who are hoping to stop Zidane from becoming the first manager to win back-to-back Champions League titles.

Alex Sandro, Miralem Pjanic, Sami Khedira, Paulo Dybala and Mario Mandzukic are also among the starters today for the Old Lady, who have the likes of Claudio Marchisio and Juan Cuadrado among the substitutes.

Raphael Varane, who is being linked with a move to Manchester United, will play alongside captain Sergio Ramos in the heart of the defense for Real Madrid, with Luka Modric and Toni Kroos starting in the middle.

Meanwhile, the possibility of James Rodriguez, who cost Real Madrid over £71m three years ago, making a move this summer looks likely after the Columbian was not even named on the bench for this game.

Today’s clash is a rematch of the 1998 final, which was won 1-0 by Real Madrid.

It’s also the 19th all-time meeting between the two sides.

Live television coverage is on Fox Network and Fox Network HD. You can also stream today’s final on Fox Sports GO and Fox Soccer 2GO.

Real Madrid v Juventus Starting Lineups

Juventus: Buffon, Alves, Chiellini, Bonucci, Barzagli, Sandro, Khedira, Pjanic, Mandzukic, Dybala, Higuaín.

Real Madrid: Navas, Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo, Casemiro, Modric, Isco, Kroos, Benzema, Ronaldo.

Video Highlights and Recap: Real Madrid Beat Bayern Munich, 2-1

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MUNICH, Sporting Alert — Watch video highlight from Fox Soccer, as Real Madrid edged Bayern Munich 2-1 in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal game in Germany on Wednesday.

Watch Video Highlights of Real Madrid at Bayern Munich (YouTube)

A brace from attacker Cristiano Ronaldo gave the Spanish La Liga leaders the advantage in the two-way tie on the road.

Bayern Munich took the lead in the 26th minute when Arturo Vidal hammered home a powerful header into the top of the net from a corner kick.

Vidal also squandered the chance to put his team 2-0 up before the break after he missed a controversial penalty kick when he blasted the spot-kick over the crossbar and into the stands.

Ronaldo and Real Madrid made sure the home side paid.

The Portugal forward first guided home a cross past Manuel Neuer in the 47th minute to even up the scores at 1-1 before sealing the win later.

With 13-minutes left in the game, Ronaldo stabbed the ball past Neuer to take his tally to 100 European goals and left Bayern Munich on the verge of elimination.

“We showed the willingness to get a good result after the first half and if we had gone in at 2-0, it may have been a different match,” said Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane.

“But we showed patience and managed to get an equaliser, from then on, it was a different game as we showed more personality and won the ball back better.”

Zidane, though, dismissed suggestions that the tie, which now heads to Madrid, is already over.

“A tie is never decided in the first leg, but we played a good match,” he noted. “We probably could have scored one or two more goals, but we’re very happy.”

He added: “It is not easy to play here, Bayern have great players and are a great team, but we still needed to play well in the second half and we also have to acknowledge how many saves Neuer had to make.”

The German champions also played the final 30 minutes of the game with 10-man after midfielder Javi Martinez picked up two quick yellow cards and was sent off.

Meanwhile, Bayern Munich played the game without leading scorer Robert Lewandowsi, as the Poland forward did not recover from the shoulder injury he suffered over the weekend.

German attacker Thomas Muller was asked to lead the forward line by manager Carlo Ancelotti.

Despite the defeat, Ancelotti remains positive ahead of the return trip to the Bernabeu next week.

“We had no luck tonight and it was the small details which made the difference,” the Italian said.

“We missed the penalty when we could have made it 2-0, then we conceded right at the start of the second half and that changed the match.”

Ancelotti continued: “It will be more difficult in Madrid, but we still have a chance, we are still alive.

“We will look to take our chance. We will try to do our best.”

Two other Champions League quarterfinal games were played on the day.

Spanish side Atlético Madrid edged out English Premier League champions Leicester City 1-0, while Monaco also beat Borussia Dortmund by the odd goal, following the French side’s 3-2 victory in their rescheduled encounter.

The matchup between Monaco and Borussia Dortmund was initially scheduled for Tuesday, but was forced to rescheduled following a security incident on Tuesday, which saw the German side’s team bus attacked and one player left seriously injured.

Real Madrid Drop Ronaldo, Benzema For Deportivo Visit

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MADRID, Sporting Alert – Real Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane has named his 19-man squad for the La Liga clash against Deportivo but there are Cristiano Ronaldo or Karim Benzema.

Manager Shows Confidence In Squad

Zidane, who is already without the injured Gareth Bale, has opted to leave out Ronaldo and Benzema for this clash – heading into the game with Alvaro Morata, Lucas Vazquez and Mariano as his only strikers.

The game on Saturday is the last La Liga game of the year and the star forwards have clearly been given a rest to prepare for the busy fixtures ahead.

Midfielder Luka Modric was also rested.

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“[Benzema] was at the team’s disposal but we’re going to give him some rest,” Zidane said. “We have a lot of games and tomorrow we will rest him and other players.”

The French boss also revealed that Morata will return against Deportivo at the Santiago Bernabeu this weekend.

“Tomorrow Morata’s going to play,” he said. “Every day he is better and he really wanted to play. He’s training very well.”

James Not Leaving Real Madrid – Zidane

Also included in the Real Madrid 19-man squad is midfielder Toni Kroos, as well as attacking playmaker James Rodriguez, who has been linked with a move away from the Spanish leaders in January.

It is still uncertain whether Rodriguez will play on Saturday, but Zidane is sure he won’t be leaving the Bernabeu in the next transfer window.

“James is not leaving here, I do not want him to,” his manager said. “We will have to wait until tomorrow to see if he is playing against Deportivo.”

Zidane admits that he’s expected a “difficult match” against Deportivo, despite the visitors struggling at 16th in the table standings.

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He said the aim is to win the last league game of the year.

He said at his press conference: “It will be a difficult match and not only because of their last result.

“Maybe seeing Deportivo where they are in the table is a little strange, with what they are doing and the team that they’ve got.

“We know it will be a very difficult match. It is the last game of the year in the league and we will try to be well prepared and go into it well.”

Isco, Sergio Ramos, Pep, Marcelo, Raphael Varane and Mateo Kovacic are also named in the squad.

Real Madrid, who lead rivals Barcelona by six points in the La Liga standings, haven’t lost in 34 consecutive matches, which equaling a club record.

TV Channels: beIN SPORTS USA, beIN SPORTS CONNECT USA, Sky Sports 3/HD UK
Live Stats: www.livescore.com will provide full update.

REAL MADRID SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Navas, Casilla and Yáñez.
Defenders: Carvajal, Pepe, Ramos, Varane, Nacho, Marcelo and Danilo.
Midfielders: Kroos, James, Casemiro, Kovacic, Asensio and Isco.
Forwards: Morata, Lucas Vázquez and Mariano.

Ronaldo Leads Real Attack: Madrid v Sporting Teams, Live

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LISBON, Sporting Alert – Karim Benzema and James Rodríguez are only on the bench today for Real Madrid in their Champions League Group F against Sporting CP at Estadio Jose Alvalade.

Champions League Game On ESPN3 Schedule On Nov. 22

Head coach Zinedine Zidane has opted to leave the two-star studded attackers on the bench, but still named a super starting lineup for this clash.

Real Madrid are seeking at 20th last 16 round place and are the pundits’ favourites to get the job done.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bales will lead the attack for the Spanish La Liga leaders, while Zidane has also decided to start Lucas Vazquez in the attack.

Ronaldo, who scored his 39th hat-trick at the weekend, is the man playing as the centre-forward today, despite Benzema returning to fitness.

Luka Modric will anchor things in the midfield, with Mateo Kovacic also starting in the middle.

Spanish international Isco will feature in a supporting role for the main attackers.

Joining Benzema and James on the bench are Fabio Coentrao, Marco Asensio, Danilo, Nacho and Kiko Casilla.

The last time Real Madrid and Sporting met in Lisbon the game ended 2-2 during the 2000/01 campaign.

Real Madrid scored two late goals to secure a 2-1 victory over Sporting when they met at the Santiago Bernabeu on September 14.

William Carvalho, Adrien Silva, Bruno Cesar, Bas Dost and Bryan Ruiz are among the starters for Sporting CP.

A win or a draw for Real Madrid today would see Sporting eliminated from the Champions League, while the Spanish side hope to collect the three points that would keep them on pace to still win the group.

Sporting: Rui Patricio, Joao Pereira, Coates, Ruben Semedo, Marvin, Carvalho, Gelson, Adrien, Bryan Ruiz, Bruno Cesar, Bas Dost. Subs: Beto, Schelotto, Paulo Oliveira, Elias, Campbell, Markovic, Andre

Real Madrid: Keylor Navas, Carvajal, Ramos, Varane, Marcelo, Modric, Kovacic, Isco, Bale, Ronaldo, Lucas Vazquez. Subs: Kiko Casilla, Nacho, Benzema, James, Coentrao, Asensio, Danilo.