Gravesen and Portillo to start for Real in King's Cup

Newcomer Thomas Gravesen will make his first start for Real Madrid against second division Valladolid in the King's Cup third round on Wednesday.

Coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo told a news conference on Tuesday that the Danish international, who joined from Everton last week, and striker Javier Portillo, who is back from a loan spell at Fiorentina, would both start the second leg tie at the Bernabeu.

Former youth team player Portillo will line up alongside Michael Owen in attack as Real bid to reach the quarter-finals after a 0-0 draw at Valladolid last week.

Midfielders David Beckham, Guti and Solari, goalkeeper Iker Casillas and defenders Michel Salgado and Walter Samuel have all been left out of the squad, while centre-back Ivan Helguera is unavailable due to an ankle injury.

First-choice strikers Ronaldo and Raul have been included, but are likely to watch from the bench.

Luxemburgo denied his selection policy showed that winning the Cup was not a priority for the club.

"In football you always have to take certain risks," the Brazilian said.

"I want to have a team that can win all three competitions that they are in. I don't want to go out in the Cup and the team I have selected is capable of beating Valladolid."