Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid confirmed lineups: Varane returns; Isco replaces Bale

Real Madrid's French defender Raphael Varane (L) and Real Madrid's French forward Karim Benzema attend a training session at Valdebebas Sport City in Madrid on May 1, 2017 on the eve of their Champions' League semi-final first leg football match against Atletico de Madrid. / AFP PHOTO / PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU (Photo credit should read PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU/AFP/Getty Images)

Raphael Varane is fit and back in the starting lineup as Real Madrid host Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League semifinal first leg.

The French international replaces Nacho in Zinedine Zidane’s side and partners captain Sergio Ramos at the heart of the Real Madrid defence. Meanwhile, Isco has taken Gareth Bale’s place on the right side of Los Blancos’ front trio, with Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo for company.

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone, meanwhile, has had to shuffle his defence, with Stefan Savic playing as the makeshift right-back in the absence of Juanfran and Sime Vrsaljko. Academy graduate Lucas Hernandez partners Diego Godin at the heart of defence, while the rest of the side is at full strength.

Exit mobile version