Team News: Gonzalo Higuain starts for Real Madrid

Gonzalo Higuain has been preferred to Karim Benzema to play as a lone striker for Real Madrid during the Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Barcelona this evening.

The Argentine international will be supported by Cristiano Ronaldo, Mesut Ozil and Angel Di Maria, who have been given advanced midfield roles.

Meanwhile, Pepe has missed out on a place in the lineup, which in turn means that Raphael Varane has been given the nod alongside Sergio Ramos at the heart of the defence.

Hosts Barcelona are at full strength for the clash, with Lionel Messi, Xavi and Carles Puyol all included.

Barcelona: Pinto; Alves, Pique, Puyol, Alba; Busquets, Xavi, Fabregas; Pedro, Iniesta; Messi

Madrid: Lopez; Arbeloa, Ramos, Varane, Coentrao; Xabi Alonso, Khedira; Di María, Ozil, Cristiano Ronaldo; Higuain