LISBON, Portugal (AP) – Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa is in the starting line-up for the Champions League final after recovering from an injury, while Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale will lead Real Madrid’s attack alongside Karim Benzema.
Atletico’s leading scorer limped off with a hamstring injury last weekend in the draw at Barcelona that clinched the Spanish League title. Atletico midfielder Arda Turan missed Saturday’s match at the Stadium of Light because of a sore hip.
Ronaldo, who has scored a record 16 times in the tournament this season, returns for the first time since May 7 because of a leg injury. Benzema recovered from a hamstring injury to start, while Sami Khedira fills in for the suspended Xabi Alonso in Madrid’s midfield.
Madrid chose centre back Raphael Varane over Pepe, who has been bothered by a calf problem.
Real Madrid: Casillas, Carvajal, Varane, Sergio Ramos, Fabio Coentrao, Modric, Khedira, Di Maria, Bale, Benzema, Ronaldo. Subs: Diego Lopez, Pepe, Marcelo, Arbeloa, Morata, Isco, Illarramendi.
Atletico Madrid: Courtois, Juanfran, Miranda, Godin, Filipe Luis, Raul Garcia, Gabi, Tiago, Koke, Villa, Diego Costa. Subs: Aranzubia, Mario Suarez, Adrian, Rodriguez, Alderweireld, Diego, Sosa.
Referee: Bjorn Kuipers (Holland)
