Real Madrid vs Barcelona: Official lineups as Valverde starts El Clasico

The Blancos hope to avenge their Supercup defeat against Xavi Hernandez’s men.

Real Madrid will host Barcelona in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final clash.

The Blancos come into the game with two changes compared to the lineup that drew 1-1 against Atletico Madrid last weekend.

Marco Asensio starts on the bench as Carlo Ancelotti returns Luka Modric to the Blancos’ lineup. Another change in the midfield line sees Eduardo Camavinga replace Dani Ceballos.

Here are the official lineups for El Clasico:

Real Madrid XI: Courtois, Carvajal, Militao, Rudiger, Nacho, Modric, Camavinga, Kroos, Valverde, Vinicius Jr, Benzema.

Barcelona XI: Ter Stegen; Araújo, Koundé, Alonso, Balde; Kessié, Busquets, Frenkie de Jong; Raphinha, Torres, Gavi.

Barcelona will play with five changes compared to his side’s 1-0 defeat against Almeria on Sunday.

Raphinha replaces Robert Lewandowski, who’s out with an injury. Gavi has also completely changed his side’s four-man backline.

The centre-back pair of Ronald Araujo and Jules Kounde start ahead of Eric Garcia and Andreas Christensen. Jules Kounde replaces Sergi Roberto, while Alejandro Balde takes Jordi Alba’s spot in the lineup.