Defending champions Real Madrid begin their UEFA Champions League campaign against Portuguese side Sporting CP.
For their European opener, manager Zinedine Zidane has opted to go for a full strength attack, fielding the ferocious BBC trio of Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo. Defensively, Raphael Varane has been given the nod over Pepe and will partner Sergio Ramos at centre-back.
Kiko Casilla will be hoping to impress in goal in the absence of first-choice stopper Keylor Navas.
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This is our starting XI for tonight’s match against @SportingCP_en.#RMUCL#HalaMadridpic.twitter.com/VAS87NPQg4— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) September 14, 2016
For the visitors, Bas Dost and Bryan Ruiz lead the line and will be hoping to get the better of a resolute Real Madrid defence. Portugal international William Carvalho will pull the strings in midfield but will have his work cut out by Casemiro.
Defensively, Ruben Sumedo and Sebastien Coates start as centre-backs with Rui Patricio in goal
#DiaDeSporting #MadridDeVerdeEBranco #UCL pic.twitter.com/DFYztPYJgP
— Sporting CP (@Sporting_CP) September 14, 2016
