Sergio Ramos is back in the starting lineup for Real Madrid as they host Espanyol in La Liga tonight.

Pepe makes way in the backline as the captain returns after several games out with a calf injury. Danilo also loses his place after failing to impress at right-back in the 1-1 draw at Real Betis last time out, with Dani Carvajal restored to the starting XI.

With Gareth Bale still out injured, James Rodriguez retains his place alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Isco as support for Karim Benzema up front.

For the visitors from Barcelona, new manager Constantin Galca is forced into five changes from the side that were held to a 2-2 draw by Villarreal last weekend.

Leading scorer Felipe Caceido is out with an injury, meaning a rare start up front for youngster Mamadou Sylla. There is also a change between the sticks as Arla manages to unseat Pau Lopez in the lineup.

Marco Asensio and Burgui are ineligible to face their parent club, while Gerard Moreno is suspended for the tie, meaning starts for Hernan Perez, Victor Alvarez and Salva Sevilla.

Real Madrid: Navas; Ramos, Varane, Carvajal, Marcelo; Modric, Kroos; James, Ronaldo, Isco; Benzema
Subs: Kiko Casilla, Nacho, Casemiro, Vazquez, Kovacic, Jese, Danilo

Espanyol: Arla; Javi Lopez, Alvaro, Roco, Duarte; Diop, Victor, Jordan, Salva, Hernan Perez; Mamadou
Subs: Pau, Abraham, Montanes, Canas, Ciani, Fuentes, Duarte

Follow live coverage of the clash from the Bernabeu with Sports Mole's text commentary here.