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Sunday, 4 October 2015

Atletico Madrid v Real Madrid - Preview


Gareth Bale returns to Real Madrid's squad for Sunday's La Liga derby against Atletico Madrid.

The 26-year-old has missed Real's past three games after injuring a calf during their Champions League victory over Shakhtar Donetsk on 15 September.

Real defender Sergio Ramos is also fit to play at the Vicente Calderon after recovering from a shoulder injury.

"The two have trained and will be in the squad. They have been cleared to play," said Real coach Rafael Benitez.

"Match-fitness is another thing and if they start or not we will decide. Even at less than 100% they are two very useful players for us."

Benitez's side, who will be without Colombia striker James Rodriguez, lead Atletico by two points after the first six games of the season.

Real have not won a Madrid league derby for two seasons and were thrashed 4-0 at the Calderon in February.

The game gives Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo the chance to indisputably overtake Raul's all-time record of 323 goals for Real.

Ronaldo officially drew level with Raul's total with two goals in Real's 2-0 win over Malmo in the Champions League, though the club have already honoured him.

Atletico will be without midfielder Koke, who has a hamstring injury.

They head into the game after back-to-back defeats by Villarreal and Benfica, but coach Diego Simeone is not concerned.

He said: "It doesn't surprise me at all what is happening to us. We have a lot of young players in the team and the first 10 games were going to be very difficult."



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