Bale returns for Madrid against Alavés

The Welshman came straight back into the side for the game, having been sidelined since tweaking a groin in the goalless draw with city rivals Atletico Madrid.

His inclusion will go some way to making up for the absence of Isco, who remains out after undergoing surgery for acute appendicitis.

Julen Lopetegui opted to flood the midfield against the Basques, with Dani Ceballos lining up in the middle of the park alongside regular trio Casemiro, Luk aModric and Toni Kroos.

Meanwhile, Alvaro Odriozola and Nacho were deployed at full-back with Marcelo and Dani Carvajal still sidelined.

 

October 6, 2018

The hosts made five changes from their 2-1 defeat to Levante last time out, with Martín Aguirregabiria, Manu García, Burgui, Rubén Sobrino and John Guidetti all dropping out to be replaced by Mubarak Wakaso, Jonathan Calleri, Ximo Navarro, Jony Rodríguez and Darko Brasanac.