Ronaldo tells Zidane to drop Bale, pick Isco for Champions League final

Cristiano Ronaldo is leading a group of Real Madrid players, who want manager Zinedine Zidane, to start Isco ahead of Gareth Bale, in next month’s Champions League final.

Bale has not played since Madrid’s defeat in the El Clasico, after picking up a calf injury.

The Welshman is yet to return to training, but is expected to be fit for the game against Juventus in Cardiff.

Diario Gol reports that some of his team-mates believe Isco, who has played in Bale’s absence, should keep his place.

Apart from Ronaldo, captain Sergio Ramos is also reported to have backed his countryman, along with Pepe, Casemiro and Fabio Coentrao.

Isco scored the crucial away goal in their Champions League semi-final victory over rivals Atletico.