Gareth Bale starts alongside Karim Benzema in attack for Real Madrid against Real Sociedad this afternoon.

As expected, Los Blancos have switched to a 4-4-2 formation in Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence, with the Welshman moving into a central position.

In midfield, Isco and James Rodriguez occupy the wide berths, while there is a place in the XI for Asier Illarramendi, who faces his former club.

However, neither Lucas Silva nor Martin Odegaard are named in the matchday squad and must wait for their Madrid debuts.

Real Madrid: Casillas; Carvajal, Ramos, Varane, Marcelo; James, Illarramendi, Kroos, Isco; Benzema, Bale

Subs: Navas, Coentrao, Khedira, Chicharito, Arbeloa, Nacho, Jese

Real Sociedad: Rulli; Yuri, Inigo, Mikel, A Elustondo; G Elustondo, Granero; Prieto, Pardo, Canales; Vela

Subs: Zubikarai, Bergara, Finnbogason, Agirretxe, Castro, Zaldua, De la Bella

Referee: Alvarez Izquierdo

La Liga - Club News