Jose Mourinho will be hoping to draw first blood in the first leg of the Copa del Rey quarter-final tie versus their Catalan rivals at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday
Jose Mourinho will be without the suspended Alvaro Arbeloa who failed in his attempt to get his one-match ban overturned. Fabio Coentrao is expected to deputise at right-back. Pepe is a doubt with a thigh strain although the Portuguese defender is expected to pass a late fitness test.
The Portuguese coach has defended his compatriot against recent negative comments, and has stressed that the attacker remains a very important figure for the capital club
Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has ferociously defended Cristiano Ronaldo against recent criticism as Los Blancos prepare for the first leg of their Copa del Rey quarter-final against Barcelona on Wednesday.
The Portugal international has picked up a knock, and could consequently miss Wednesday’s cup game against the Catalan giants in the final-eight
Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho could be forced to make do without the services of defender Pepe in the first leg of the Copa del Rey quarter-final against Barcelona on Wednesday as the Portuguese centre-back has picked up a thigh injury.