TEAM NEWS: Michael Essien starts for Real Madrid against Celta

Posted Thursday, December 13, 2012 by Goal.com

The Ghanaian takes the place of Sami Khedira in midfield and Raphael Varane is also given a start as los Blancos travel to Vigo in the Copa del Rey

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has opted to hand a start to Michael Essien for his side’s trip to face Celta Vigoin the Copa del Rey on Wednesday evening.
The Ghanaian takes the place of Sami Khedira from the weekend’s victory over Valladolid in La Liga and will partner Xabi Alonso in centre of the Madrid midfield.

There are also some tweaks at the back from the Portuguese coach. Raphael Varane and Ricardo Carvalho come into the defence, with Nacho and Sergio Ramos making way.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric, and Angel Di Maria will support Karim Benzema in attack. Antonio Adan will start in goal.

Celta look to be starting the match fielding a five-man midfield in an attempt to curb the creativity of Madrid. Borja Oubina starts as the anchorman in front of the defence and he will be relied upon for protection.

Iago Aspas begins as the lone striker, but he will likely be given plenty of support from Michael Krohn-Delhi and Toni.

Celta (4-5-1): Sergio; Mallo, Cabral, Tunez, Lago; Oubina, Augusto, Bermejo, Krohn-Dehli, Park; Aspas.

Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Adan; Arbeloa, Varane, Pepe, Carvalho; Alonso, Essien; Di Maria, Modric, Ronaldo; Benzema

Subs: Casillas, Ramos, Khedira, Kaka, Ozil, Callejon, Nacho