BBC for Real Madrid? Bale & Benzema backed by Varane to support Ronaldo

Real Madrid could be ready to unleash their ‘BBC’ frontline on Liverpool, with Raphael Varane saying Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema look ready to support Cristiano Ronaldo in the Champions League final.

The attacking trio have not seen as many collective outings as they would have liked over recent years, with injuries and loss of form conspiring against them.

All three are, however, in contention to face Liverpool in Kiev on Saturday as Madrid chase a hat-trick of European crowns.

Zinedine Zidane will have the final say on who makes his starting XI, with the likes of Isco, Marco Asensio and Lucas Vazquez also in the mix, but Varane considers everybody to be in peak form.

Quizzed by Marca on whether Bale will make the grade, the France international defender said: “In training I've seen him being prepared incredibly well physically, he's focused on the final but it's the coach who'll decide who plays.

“We all want to play and we're all working hard to prepare properly, there can be a choice of numerous systems but I don't know who will be selected. I've seen Gareth playing very well recently, he's in good form but we'll see what decision the coach makes.”

Varane added on fellow countryman Benzema, who has once again been overlooked by France in their World Cup 2018 squad: “He's showing the same level of desire as always, he's completely focused on the team and knows that our season depends on this match.

“He has the ability to make others play well and I feel he's in good form. Last season against Atletico Madrid he showed he can decide the biggest matches, everyone is confident in him and he's got nothing at all to prove.”

While Bale and Benzema may be selected to fill support roles against Liverpool, Madrid will once again be looking to five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo for inspiration.

He is expected to deliver for the Blancos, with Varane hoping to see the Portuguese superstar at the peak of his powers.

He added: “Cristiano always responds in the vital moments, he believes in himself and we count on him. We know exactly what he brings to the team and it's so positive. Hopefully, he's at his strongest level.”

Ronaldo is the leading scorer in this season’s Champions League, with the 33-year-old having found the target 15 times in firing Madrid to a third successive final.