Team News: Mateo Kovacic starts for Real Madrid, Sabin Merino earns start for Athletic Bilbao

Mateo Kovacic starts for Real Madrid as Rafael Benitez makes one change from the side that beat Granada on Saturday, while Sabin Merino earns a place in attack for Athletic Bilbao.

The Croatian midfielder takes the place of Lucas Vasquez, beginning in midfield alongside countryman Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.

Pepe continues in central defence for Madrid alongside Rafael Varane as Sergio Ramos recovers from injury.

Sabin Merino starts in an attacking three for Bilbao with striker Aritz Aduriz and winger Markel Susaeta.

Athletic Bilbao: Iraizoz; De Marcos, Balenziaga, Etxeita, Laporte; San José, Beñat, Raúl García; Susaeta, Aduriz, Sabin Merino Subs: Eraso, Kike Sola, Ibai, Herrerin, Mikel Rico, Gurpegui, Lekue

Real Madrid: Navas; Varane, Pepe, Marcelo, Carvajal; Kovacic, Modric, Kroos; Isco, Benzema, Ronaldo Subs: Casilla, Nacho, Casemiro, Arbeloa, Vasquez, Jese, Cheryshev