Team News: Cristiano Ronaldo returns for Madrid derby

Real Madrid striker Cristiano Ronaldo has earned an immediate recall to the starting lineup for the derby with Atletico Madrid this afternoon.

The Portuguese striker has missed the previous two matches through suspension, but he returns as Carlo Ancelotti makes a number of changes to the team that began against Sevilla in midweek.

James Rodriguez, Sergio Ramos and Pepe all miss out through injury, resulting in Nacho, Fabio Coentrao and Sami Khedira all coming into the team.

Mario Mandzukic is back in the Atletico side to partner Antoine Griezmann and Arda Turan in a front three.

That means that there is no place for Fernando Torres, who must make do with a spot on the bench against a side that he netted twice against last month.

Atletico: Moya; Juanfran, Godin, Miranda, Siqueira; Koke, Tiago, Gabi; Griezmann, Mandzukic, Turan Subs: Obalk, Gamez, Gimenez, Mario Suarez, Saul, Raul Garcia, Torres

Real: Casillas; Carvajal, Nacho, Varane, Coentrao; Khedira, Isco, Kroos; Ronaldo, Benzema, Bale Subs: Navas, Hernandez, Lucas Silva, Arbeloa, Jese, Illarra, Llorente

Listen to the views of a couple of the Sports Mole team as they preview the top-of-the-table clash in La Liga.

Keep track of the game at the Vicente Calderon by following Sports Mole's live commentary.