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CONFIRMED lineups: Atlético de Madrid vs Real Madrid, UEFA Champions League 2014-2015

Denis Doyle/Getty Images

Real Madrid's lineup is official. As expected, Pepe and James start in Varane and Isco's spots.

Atlético de Madrid Starting XI (To Be Confirmed): Oblak; Juanfran, Miranda, Godín, Jesús Gámez; Arda Turan, Mario Suárez, Gabi, Koke; Griezmann, Mandzukic.

Real Madrid Starting XI: Casillas; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; Kroos, Modrić, James Rodríguez; Bale, Benzema, Ronaldo.

Few surprises on this front. Both teams want to play their usual starters in order to reach the return leg at the Santiago Bernabéu with a good chance to qualify to the next round.

This match will likely be played with caution given how valuable away goals are in this competition. However, expect Atlético de Madrid to play with intensity trying to dismantle Real Madrid's midfield with a very physical battle. Kroos, Modric and James will need to be aggressive if they want to stand a chance against Simeone's pupils. Gareth Bale's role will also be very important for Real Madrid to defend properly.

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