Cristiano Ronaldo, Mateo Kovacic start for Real Madrid against Barcelona

Published on: 23 December 2017

Ahead of the first Clasico of the La Liga season, Sid Lowe combines the squads of Real Madrid and Barcelona into an ultimate XI. With the 237th edition of Real Madrid-Barcelona fast approaching, Ale Moreno and Ross Dyer discuss what's needed to make this Clasico a classic.

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has named Cristiano Ronaldo in his starting lineup for Saturday's meeting with Barcelona, while Mateo Kovacic makes a surprise appearance in the starting XI.

Ronaldo has overcome an injury scare this week to start, and Zidane has kept faith with France international Karim Benzema in attack.

However, there was a surprise in the inclusion of Kovacic in midfield, with playmaker Isco dropping to the bench.

Gareth Bale, having returned from injury, starts on the bench.

Comments