Real Madrid take on Cornella in the second-leg of their Copa del Rey clash at the Santiago Bernabeu tonight knowing that they should be safely through to the next stage barring a disaster.
Los Blancos hold a 4-1 lead going into the game against the Catalan minnows, and this should be as close to an exhibition match for Madrid mid-season as they can get.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men have won their last 16 matches in a row, a new club record, and should ease past Cornella tonight. The Italian has said he will make wholesale changes to his starting 11 this evening, allowing some of the fringe players and those needing match practice to get some minutes under their belts.
The biggest news for Madrid fans is the return of Jese Rodriguez. The young forward has missed the last eight months with a serious knee injury but has been given the all clear following the past few weeks training with the first team.
Sami Khedira and Asier Illarramendi will slot into the midfield, Keylor Navas will get a start in goal, while Mexican forward Javier Hernandez should get some game time as he looks to continue to impress his manager and secure a permanent deal at the club.
Probable line-up:
Real Madrid: Keylor Navas; Coentrão, Varane, Arbeloa, Nacho; Khedira, Medrán, Illarra, Isco; Bale, Chicharito
Rotation is key to sustained level of performance across the team. There are difficult and more games ahead.