There are few surprises in Real Madrid’s line-up to take on Club America in today’s Club World Cup semi final, with Sergio Ramos and Pepe both unavailable.
Raphael Varane and Nacho start as the centre half pairing, Casemiro anchoring the midfield with the attack spearheaded by Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.
The absences of Ramos and Pepe are thought to be precautionary – with both thought to be rested ahead of a hypothetical final against Japanese club Kashima Antlers – while long-term absentee Gareth Bale the only other absentee.
All eyes will be on Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo who aims to score his first goal in the competition, while Alvaro Morata only makes the bench despite being fully fit.
Real Madrid: Navas; Carvajal, Varane, Nacho, Marcelo; Casemiro, Kroos, Modric; Lucas Vazquez, Ronaldo, Benzema
Subs: Casilla, Yañéz, Pepe, Ramos, James, Coentrao, Kovacic, Mariano, Asensio, Morata, Isco, Danilo
Club America: Muñoz; Alvarado, Valdez, Goltz, Aguilar; Zamudio, Da Silva, Sambueza; Ibarra, Romero, Peralta
Referee: Enrique Caceres
