Carlo Ancelotti has claimed all week that Cristiano Ronaldo is finally healthy and it appears that's true as the Portuguese striker returns to the Real Madrid lineup. He reunites in the attack with Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale, which of course was an effective trio last season.
Real Madrid vs. Atlético Madrid: Lineups
Cristiano Ronaldo returns to the starting lineup for Real Madrid, but their midfield problems remain.
Real Madrid remain without a true holding midfielder thanks to Xabi Alonso's departure and Sami Khedira's latest knee surgery. Toni Kroos played in the role against Real Sociedad, but that's not his natural place and trying to force him into that role is the equivalent of watching a baby try to jam a square toy block into a round opening. Unfortunately, he is Ancelotti's only option for the position at this point and starts there again.
Diego Simeone has stuck with his usual 4-2-3-1 but has made a couple changes from their last league match. Tiago Mendes replaces Mario Suárez in the deep midfield, while Antoine Griezmann drops to the bench in favor of Raul Jimenez. The moves are likely some combination of tactics and resting players ahead of this week's Champions League matches.
Real Madrid lineup (4-3-3): Iker Casillas; Fabio Coentrão, Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Álvaro Arbeloa; Toni Kroos, James Rodriguez, Luka Modrić; Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale.
Projected Atlético Madrid lineup (4-2-3-1): Miguel Moyà; Guillherme Siqueira, Diego Godīn, João Miranda, Juanfran; Tiago Mendes, Gabi; Koke, Raul Jimenez, Raúl Garcia; Mario Mandžukić.
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