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Real Madrid Starting XI: Casillas, Nacho, Ramos, Varane, Coentrao, Xabi Alonso, Illarramendi, Isco, Cristiano Ronaldo, Jesé, Morata.
Schalke 04 Starting XI: Fährmann, Hoogland, Howedes, Matip, Kolasinac, Ayhan, Neustadter, Obasi, Meyer, Draxler, Huntelaar.
It's quite unlikely that Schalke will beat Real Madrid by a six-goal margin, so Carlo Ancelotti has decided to give Pepe, Carvajal, Marcelo, Modric, Di María, Bale and Benzema some rest before Sunday's decisive Clásico match against FC Barcelona. It shouldn't not be necessary to start Xabi Alonso, but Brazilian midfielder Casemiro is still waiting for his chance on the bench. He should see some action today during the second half.
It will also be interesting to see what Isco can do in the midfield. He struggled against Málaga but his form was quite good, especially after the two Madrid derbies played at the Vicente Calderón. Illarramendi will also try to make the best out of today's chance to impress and show he could replace Alonso.