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          Cristiano Ronaldo, Mateo Kovacic start for Real Madrid against Barcelona

          • Dermot Corrigan
          • Sam Marsden
          Dec 23, 2017, 05:01 AM ET

          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.

          There are no surprises in Ernesto Valverde's Barcelona side as Thomas Vermaelen and Paulinho start in a 4-4-2 formation.

          Despite joining the club in 2014, this is Vermaelen's first Clasico and he is making his seventh consecutive appearance for Barca. He has benefited from injuries to Samuel Umtiti and Javier Mascherano, but even with the latter back, he has kept his place.

          Paulinho, meanwhile, has scored six goals in the league this season and is the one midfielder on Valverde's side willing to get forward and gamble in the area.

          Barca will be relying on Lionel Messi, this season's top scorer in La Liga, along with Luis Suarez, who has found his form with six goals in his last five league games.

          Real Madrid XI: Navas, Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelona, Modric, Casemiro, Kroos, Kovacic, Benzema, Ronaldo.

          Real Madrid substitutes: K. Casilla, Nacho, Bale, Theo, Lucas Vasquez, Asensio, Isco.

          Barcelona XI: Ter Stegen, Sergi Roberto, Pique, Vermaelen, Jordi Alba, Busquets, Rakitic, Paulinho, Iniesta, Messi, Suarez.

          Barcelona substitutes: Cillessen, N.Semedo, Denis Suarez, Mascherano, Digne, Andre Gomes, Aleix Vidal.