Team News: Gareth Bale leads Real Madrid line at Espanyol, Cristiano Ronaldo misses out

Gareth Bale will lead Real Madrid's forward line against Espanyol in the absence of Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Los Blancos' famed 'BBC' forward trio all netted in the 4-0 win over Alaves at the weekend - the first time that has happened since April 2016.

Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has opted to rotate for the midweek trip to the RCDE Stadium, however, as Benzema drops down to the bench and Ronaldo misses out on the 18-man squad entirely.

With an eye on next week's crucial Champions League last-16 second-leg tie at Paris Saint-Germain, Zidane has instead turned to in-form attacker Marco Asensio to support Bale in one of five changes from last time out.

Captain Sergio Ramos returns from suspension and Marcos Llorente is also handed a rare start - his third of the season - taking over from the absent Casemiro, who is out with a stomach complaint.

As far as the home side are concerned, they will be led by top scorer Gerard Moreno, boasting 10 goals in 24 La Liga outings this term, while support will be offered by Pablo Piatti and Sergio Garcia.

Central midfield is comprised of Carlos Sanchez, Sergi Darder and David Lopez, meanwhile, as the Periquitos look to climb the table from their current position of 18th.

Espanyol: Diego Lopez; Navarro, Victor Sanchez, Duarte, Aaron; Darder, David Lopez, Carlos Sanchez; Piatti, Gerard, Sergio Garcia Subs: Paul Lopez, Naldo, Jurado, Baptistao, Didac, Roca, Granero

Real Madrid: Navas; Achraf, Sergio Ramos, Varane, Nacho; Llorente, Kovacic; Lucas Vazquez, Isco, Asensio; Bale Subs: Kiko Casilla, Carvajal, Theo, Dani Ceballos, Oscar, Borja Mayoral, Benzema

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