The teams are out for today's decisive Madrid derby in the Champions League quarterfinals. The hosts, Real Madrid, have sprung a surprise with the inclusion of center-back Pepe in the centre of the midfield. French youngster Raphaël Varane starts alongside Sergio Ramos in defense.
Real Madrid move Pepe into midfield while Atlético Madrid pick surprisingly attacking lineup
Real Madrid have gone defensive, while Atléti have made a surprisingly attack-minded selection.
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By contrast, Atlético Madrid boss Diego Simeone has included Saúl in his lineup; a surprise move that has seen captain Gabi -- an expert in organizing the midfield -- made to settle for a spot on the bench. It is a move that could signal a slightly more attacking game from the visitors, though it's unlikely they'll stray too far from their counter-attacking style.
Real Madrid starting lineup (4-3-3): Iker Casillas; Fábio Coentrão, Sergio Ramos, Raphaël Varane, Dani Carvajal; Toni Kroos, Pepe, Isco; Cristiano Ronaldo, Javier Hernández, James Rodríguez.
Atlético Madrid starting lineup (4-4-2): Jan Oblak; Jesús Gámez, Diego Godín, Miranda, Juanfran; Saúl, Koke, Tiago, Arda Turan; Antoine Griezmann, Mario Mandžukić.
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