First-Choice Players Given Chance to Rest Ahead of Real Madrid Tie

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AC Milan, Sevilla, Real Madrid.

This game, sandwiched between those two huge other ones, was always going to be the match of least importance where some stars were given an opportunity to take a breather and recharge the batteries ahead of a potentially explosive Copa del Rey semifinal second leg against Real.

The first leg ended 1-1 in Madrid with Cesc Fabregas and Raphael Varane scoring the goals.

Cesc himself was rested this time against Sevilla, as were Carles Puyol, Jordi Alba and Pedro. Xavi and Sergio Busquets also didn't start the game, though both made entrances from the subs' bench in the second half, with Iniesta making way for his own brief respite.

With Real Madrid having rested a few players of their own in Saturday's victory at Deportivo La Coruña, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Mesut Ozil and Khedira who all came off the bench, both squads should be fit, rested and ready to put on a spectacular show to try and reach the Copa del Rey final.

All eyes will be on the Camp Nou once more on Tuesday for yet another installment of El Clasico.