Madrid key players

Madrid key players

MADRID (AP): A look at Real Madrid's key players:

CRISTIANO RONALDO

Ronaldo arrives for the final in top form after a season in which he paced himself more than ever, skipping many smaller matches to be fully fit for the more important ones. He had an incredible second half of the season, scoring 30 goals in 22 matches. Ronaldo, who scored twice in last year's final, will be looking to win his fifth Champions League title.

DANI CARVAJAL

Carvajal is the undisputed starter at right back for Madrid. The team struggled to replace him every time he was absent, as happened in the first leg of quarterfinals against Paris Saint-Germain because of a suspension. He has been a key part of Zinedine Zidane's team both in defence and attack.

SERGIO RAMOS

The team's outspoken captain, Ramos is important for Madrid on and off the field. He is one of the team's most experienced players and has thrived in past Champions League finals, scoring decisive goals in 2014 and 2016. He will be one of the many Madrid players trying to lift the Champions League trophy for a fourth time.

MARCELO

Marcelo will be playing in his first Champions League final since turning 30 but remains in top form and one of the most important players for Madrid both defensively and in attack. The veteran Brazil left back scored in the quarterfinals against Juventus and in the semi-finals against Bayern Munich. He also scored in the 2014 final.

CASEMIRO

Casemiro is the fortress in Madrid's midfield, responsible for protecting the defence and giving attacking freedom for Luka Modric and Tony Kroos. But Casemiro can also be a threat up front, as he showed when he scored in last year's final against Juventus.

KARIM BENZEMA

Benzema has not been an undisputed starter under Zidane recently but the coach has historically shown confidence in the France forward in decisive moments. Benzema had a difficult season but scored two crucial goals in the second leg of the semi-finals against Bayern Munich.