Real Madrid get back to action after Cristiano Ronaldo’s Ballon d’Or victory celebrations. Los Blancos will seek to defend their 2-0 lead in the away leg of the Copa del Rey last-16 round against Osasuna.
Los Merengues come into the game in their highest pick of motivation so far this season, after seeing two team members receiving honours in the Ballon d’Or ceremony –Sergio Ramos was also named among the best defenders of the year– and having shortened Atletico Madrid’s and Barcelona’s lead in La Liga to three points.
Carlo Ancelotti men return to a stadium where they have already dropped points this season, a 2-2 draw in the league. However, tonight that result would be enough to qualify Real for the quarter-finals.
The Italian manager will miss Brazilian left-back Marcelo, with physical problems. Thus, Fabio Coentrao will make his return to a starting eleven after two months sidelined due to injury.
Ancelotti has also decided to rest Luka Modric, who has stayed at Madrid. Asier Illarramendi will be Xabi Alonso’s couple in midfield.
Los Blancos coach is not confident the 2-0 of the first leg will be a sufficient lead to have an easy visit to El Sadar, so he will line-up all the other regular starters.
Osasuna’s boss Javi Gracia will miss Manu Onwu, Emiliano Armenteros, Sisi and Nino due to injuries. Los Rojillos expect El Sadar crowd to help them make a historic come-back by upseting Real Madrid one more time.
Pamplona’s visit has traditionally been a difficult trip for Los Merengues, and despite the lead from the first leg, they’ll have to fight hard to get into the next round.
Possible line-ups:
Osasuna: Fernandez; Oier, Arribas, Flano, Damia; Silva, Loe; Cejudo, De las Cuevas, Torres; Riera.
Real Madrid: Casillas; Arbeloa, Pepe, Ramos, Coentrao; Alonso, Illarramendi; Bale, Jese, Di Maria, Ronaldo; Benzema.
my fear for Ancieloti is that,he is yet to know How to play those guys.why must he benched isco for di Maria.?he should have at least give morata a chance to prove himself in the team,if possible bench benzema