Team News: Cristiano Ronaldo fit to start for Real Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo has been named in Real Madrid's starting lineup for Saturday's El Clasico fixture with Barcelona at the Bernabeu.

Ronaldo had been considered to be a doubt for the game due to a calf problem, but the Portuguese superstar is fit to take his place in Zinedine Zidane's first XI.

Gareth Bale remains on the bench - despite making his comeback from injury in the Club World Cup - while Marco Asensio and Isco are also restricted to a place among the replacements.

However, there is a rare outing for Mateo Kovacic, who makes his first start of the La Liga campaign after a spell out through injury.

As for Barcelona, Ernesto Valverde makes just the one alteration to the team which recorded a 4-0 victory over Deportivo La Coruna last weekend.

The injured Paco Alcacer drops out, with Sergio Busquets coming back into the team to take his place in the centre of midfield.

Thomas Vermaelen keeps his spot in defence and as expected, Luis Suarez partners Lionel Messi in attack as Barca look to maintain their unbeaten start to the season.

Real Madrid: Navas; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; Casemiro, Modric, Kroos, Kovacic; Ronaldo, Benzema Subs: Casilla, Nacho, Bale, Theo, Lucas, Asensio, Isco

Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Roberto, Pique, Vermaelen, Alba; Busquets, Iniesta, Rakitic, Paulinho; Messi, L.Suarez Subs: Cillessen, Semedo, D.Suarez, Mascherano, Digne, Gomes, Vidal

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