Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has handed Diego Lopez his second debut for the club against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey, after he rejoined from Sevilla last week.

Michael Essien and Jose Callejon both start for the home side, but there is no place in the starting lineup for Gonzalo Higuain, who drops to the bench.

Barca, who are still under the guidance of assistant boss Jordi Roura, welcome back Gerard Pique, Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas. The Catalan outfit are still without head coach Tito Vilanova, who is currently recovering from a tumor in the United States.

Real Madrid: Lopez; Essien, Varane, Carvalho, Arbeloa; Khedira, Alonso, Ozil; Callejon, Ronaldo, Benzema

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

Written by
Matt Cotton