On the day that Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho conceded the league to Barcelona (in the press at least), he's stuck by his promise to focus on the Copa del Rey and the Champions League by naming a first choice lineup to face Valencia. There's no question that Mourinho wants to make sure that Valencia don't get back in to this tie and that his side secures their places in the semifinals.
Valencia vs. Real Madrid: Lineups
Ernesto Valverde has chosen to rest starters Diego Alves and Éver Banega, while striker Sergio Canales is out with a thigh injury. There's still some regulars in the lineup but this doesn't feel like Valencia's strongest side. You have to wonder if Valverde has decided that a comeback is beyond reach.
Real Madrid starting lineup (4-2-3-1): Iker Casillas; Álvaro Arbeloa, Raphaël Varane, Raúl Albiol, Fábio Coentrão; Xabi Alonso, Sami Khedira; Ángel di María, Mesut Özil, Cristiano Ronaldo; Gonzalo Higuaín.
Valencia starting lineup (4-2-3-1): Vincente Guaita; João Pereira, Adil Rami, Ricardo Costa, Aly Cissokho; Victor Ruiz, Tino Costa; Jonathan Viera, Jonas, Andrés Guardado; Nelson Valdez.
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