Carlo Ancelotti has decided to make two alterations to his Real Madrid starting lineup for the visit of Basel.

Defenders Alvaro Arbeloa and Fabio Coentrao had dropped out of the team that lost 2-1 to Atletico Madrid at the weekend, with Nacho and Marcelo coming into the back four.

As expected, Ancelotti begins their Champions League opener with his star-studded four-string attack of Gareth Bale, James Rodriguez, Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.

Basel coach Paulo Sousa is without midfielder Marcelo Diaz for the visit to the Bernabeu due to a suspension picked up in the Europa League last season.

However, defender Walter Samuel is available to make his return to Madrid after previously playing for Real a decade ago.

Real Madrid: Casillas, Pepe, Ramos, Nacho, Marcelo, Ronaldo, Kroos, Modric, James, Bale, Benzema
Subs: Navas, Varane, Coentrao, Chicharito, Arbeloa, Isco, Illarra

Basel: Vaclik; Samuel, Schar, Suchy, Safari, Zuffi, Frei, Elneny, Xhaka, Gonzalez, Streller
Subs: Vailati, Aliji, Delgado, Kakitani, Calla, Gashi, Embolo

You can keep track of the match at the Bernabeu by following Sports Mole's live commentary.

Written by
Darren Plant