Despite making nine changes for Real Madrid‘s trip to Deportivo, Zinedine Zidane has a clear idea in his mind who is best XI is for the big games.
His ‘B’ team produced an emphatic performance and a stunning 6-2 victory but Zidane will turn to his tried and trusted A-listers for the Champions League semi-final ties against Ateltico.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema will return to the fold, despite the impressive goal scoring form of Alvaro Morata and the positive showings of Marco Asensio and Lucas Vazquez.
The latter duo, as well as Mateo Kovacic, James Rodriguez deserve to play but then so do Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Casemiro – and they have done nothing to warrant being relegated to the bench.
Even in defence, Nacho has made his case to play alongside Sergio Ramos, who missed the win over Deportivo through suspension.
Yet, with Raphael Varane back and available, he may have to return to the bench.
In the summer, Zidane will ring in the changes but, for now, he will stick with the same first team.