Real Madrid vs. Atlético Madrid: Lineups
Lineups are out for the final; find out the 22 players who will begin the match in Lisbon.
Alex Livesey
Lineups are out for Saturday's Champions League final between Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid. Will Los Blancos win their tenth European Cup? Will Los Colchoneros win their first? Let's take a look at the players that will help answer those questions.
No major surprises from Carlo Ancelotti's lineup, with the omission of Pepe being the only major, but expected, move. Youngster Raphaël Varane will get the start in the central defense, alongside the always unpredictable Sergio Ramos. Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema both overcame injury concerns to make the starting eleven. Sami Khedira takes over in the midfield for the suspended Xabi Alonso, a bit of a shock considering most pegged Asier Illarramendi as the likely replacement.
Champions League
Despite concern all week about the health of his hamstring, Diego Costa has made the starting lineup for Atléti. With their star striker back, Diego Simeone has stuck with his preferred 4-4-2 formation with Costa up front alongside David Villa. Arda Turan’s injury keeps him out of the starting eleven, and the bench, with Raúl García taking over on the right wing. There are no changes at the back with Thibault Courtois in net, and the four usual suspects on Atléti’s defensive line.
Real Madrid (4-3-3): Iker Casillas; Fabio Coentrão, Sergio Ramos, Raphaël Varane, Dani Carvajal; Ángel di María, Sami Khedira, Luka Modrić; Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale
Atlético Madrid (4-4-2): Thibaut Courtois; Filipe Luis, Diego Godín, João Miranda, Juanfran; Koke, Tiago Mendes, Gabi, Raúl García; Diego Costa, David Villa
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