MADRID (AFP) - Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas will make his first appearance at the Santiago Bernabeu in nearly nine months when Los Blancos host FC Copenhagen in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Casillas has lost his place in the side to Diego Lopez since breaking a bone in his hand in January, but coach Carlo Ancelotti has opted to play the Spanish No. 1 in the Champions League and Copa del Rey.

The 32-year-old has played just 15 minutes of competitive action so far this season after being forced off with a rib injury early in Madrid's 6-1 win away to Galatasaray on matchday one, but has recovered in time to take his place between the posts against the Danish champions.

Despite their incredible start to their European campaign, Madrid are under some pressure to bounce back from their 1-0 derby defeat to Atletico Madrid on Saturday.

That result left Ancelotti's men five points behind Atletico and Barcelona in La Liga.

Gareth Bale could also make his first start as a Real Madrid player at the Bernabeu after making his home debut as a second-half substitute against Atletico.