Copa del Rey Preview: Oviedo-Real Madrid
Real will look to put an end to an embarrassing series of five matches without a win - three draws and two defeats between the Liga and the Champions League.
Real will look to put an end to an embarrassing series of five matches without a win - three draws and two defeats between the Liga and the Champions League.
To achieve this, the Copa del Rey comes handy in the shape of a match in the Nuevo Tartiere against Oviedo. The Asturian club, relegated sixteen months ago to Segunda División, is currently bottom and struggling financially.
Merengues manager Vicente Del Bosque said he intended to rely on some of his subs for the match. It'll be the chance for him to rest players like Raul or Luis Figo, whose form has dipped in sympathy with the team's poor run.
A player like Javier Portillo looks certain to get the nod up front. Cesar should make his comeback between the sticks for the first time since last season's Champions League final, whereas other additions feature Pavon, Ruben, Raul Bravo, Celades and Favio Conceiçao.
Steve McManaman and Santiago Solari should also be given a rare chance by their moustached boss.