90min

The Real Madrid lineup that should start against Atalanta in the Champions League

By Max Parsons

Real Madrid beat Elche 2-1 last time out
Real Madrid beat Elche 2-1 last time out / Denis Doyle/Getty Images
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Zinedine Zidane's Real Madrid host Atalanta at Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano on Tuesday night looking to secure secure their place in the last eight of the Champions League.

Los Blancos came away with a 1-0 win in the first leg of their round of 16 tie with the Italian side, thanks to a late Ferland Mendy winner.

To see the tie out and book their place in the quarter final, here's the Real side that should start.

1. Goalkeeper & defenders

Sergio Ramos
Sergio Ramos made his return from injury last time out / Denis Doyle/Getty Images

Thibaut Courtois (GK) - His status as number one is as safe as it gets. Has played in 35 of Real's 36 games in all competitions this season.

Lucas Vazquez (RB) - The Spaniard has done really well as a makeshift right back, even keeping Alvaro Odriozola out of the side. Could struggle coping with the visitors' waves of attacks, but may be crucial in getting play forward.

Raphael Varane (CB) - The Frenchman is firmly first choice for his position and will look to shut the door to any Atalanta goal threats.

Sergio Ramos (CB) - Featured for the first time in two months as his side beat Elche 2-1 at the weekend. Despite lasting just over an hour, Ramos should be fit to start this one.

Ferland Mendy (LB) - Has been brilliant all season for Los Blancos and his beauty of a goal in the first leg should be enough on its own to see him start again.

2. Midfielders

Zinedine Zidane head Coach, Federico Valverde
Federico Valverde will likely come in to replace Casemiro / Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

Luka Modric (CM) - Continues to defy his age and after a 28 minute cameo against Elche - in which he managed an assist - he should be ready for Tuesday night.

Federico Valverde (CM) - The absence of Casemiro will be a big loss for Zidane's side, but Valverde should take his place. The Uruguayan is a proven star and can really affect the game with his drive from deep.

Toni Kroos (CM) - Against a high-pressing, energetic Atalanta side, the German's ability to pick out a pass from anywhere on the pitch might be key.

3. Forwards

Marco Asensio (RW) - No goals or assists in his last 11, but Asensio is a regular under Zidane and definitely has the quality to create chances.

Karim Benzema (ST) - Has been Los Blancos' saviour on more than one occasion this season, with 20 goals and five assists in total. A key man for Real.

Vinicius Junior (LW) - More than capable of creating sparks on the field but just has to improve on his underwhelming performances for the Spanish giants - the Champions League is as good a stage as any.