The Catalan giants will be itching for payback at Santiago Bernabeu after getting dismantled by Jose Mourinho’s side in Tuesday’s cup semi-final second leg at Camp Nou.
Real Madrid are set to make several changes for Saturday’s Clasico against Barcelona to conserve energy for the midweek Champions League trip to Manchester United.
Marcelo, Luka Modric, Kaka and Karim Benzema could all feature after missing out in the 3-1 Copa Del Rey win at Camp Nou on Tuesday.
Defender Sergio Ramos returns after serving a one-match ban, but winger Angel Di Maria is ineligible after his red card against Deportivo La Coruna.
Barcelona forward Lionel Messi is expected to start despite missing training with a fever on Wednesday.
Real Madrid:
Michael Essien
Michael Essien emerged as one of the most complete midfielders in the world.
With a powerful engine, strength in the tackle, pace and an eye for the spectacular goal, the Ghana star is the complete package.
Essien is currently on a season long loan at Real Madrid where he has linked up with former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho.
Essien led his country at under-17 and 20 levels, and was the youngest player at the tournament as Ghana finished second in the 2001 World Youth Cup.
He featured as the Black Stars reached the second-round of the 2006 World Cup in Germany, and was in imperious form two years later when Ghana reached the semi-finals of the African Nations Cup.
Barcelona:
Alex Song
Alex Song’s first season at Barcelona to really put in a good performance. Has he finally displayed his qualities at the Camp Nou, or was it a reflection of the opposition? One way or another, Song had his best game for Barcelona against Cordoba in the Copa Del Rey on Thursday night.
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