Zidane, Simeone stick to Champions League script

Milan (AFP) – Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane and Atletico counterpart Diego Simeone kept to the script with no real surprises in their respective line-ups for the Champions League final at Milan’s San Siro on Saturday.

French striker Karim Benzema will spearhead the hosts’ attack flanked by Cristiano Ronaldo and Welshman Gareth Bale, in front of a three-man midfield composed of Luka Modric, Casemiro and Toni Kroos.

Real are seeking their 11th trophy from Europe’s premier club competition two years after a comeback win against Atletico in Lisbon, although Simeone has assembled a side he hopes will bring Los Rojiblancos their maiden Champions League title.

French striker Antoine Griezmann, the scorer of seven goals in the competition so far, leads their attack alongside Fernando Torres — who knows the San Siro well having played for AC Milan.

They will be supported by a four-man midfield marshalled by Augusto Fernandez and captain Gabi, with Koke and Saul Niguez the wide men.

Teams for the Champions League final between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid at the San Siro stadium on Saturday (kick-off 1845 GMT):

Real Madrid

Keylor Navas; Dani Carvajal, Sergio Ramos (capt), Pepe, Marcelo; Luka Modric, Casemiro, Toni Kroos; Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo

Coach: Zinedine Zidane (FRA)

Atletico Madrid

Jan Oblak; Juanfran, Stefan Savic, Diego Godin, Filipe Luis; Saul Niguez, Gabi (capt), Augusto Fernandez, Koke; Fernando Torres, Antoine Griezmann. 

Coach Diego Simeone (ARG)

Referee: Mark Clattenburg (ENG)