News APP

NewsApp (Free)

Read news as it happens
Download NewsApp

Available on  gplay

This article was first published 11 years ago
Home  » Sports » Alonso, Benzema return to Real squad for King's Cup 'Classico'

Alonso, Benzema return to Real squad for King's Cup 'Classico'

February 25, 2013 20:37 IST
Get Rediff News in your Inbox:

Real Madrid should have midfielder Xabi Alonso and forward Karim Benzema back from minor injuries for Tuesday's King's Cup semi-final second leg at holders Barcelona, coach Jose Mourinho said on Monday.

The pair missed Saturday's 2-1 comeback La Liga victory at Deportivo La Coruna, when Mourinho initially left top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench but brought him on in the second half to set up Gonzalo Higuain's late winner.

Xabi AlonsoAsked if Spain international Alonso would be fit for the ‘Clasico’ at the Nou Camp, a typically brusque Mourinho told a news conference: "I think so".

Quizzed a few minutes later on the fitness of France's Benzema, he added: "He trained with the squad yesterday and today and it seemed to me he is in the right physical condition to play."

Real, who host runaway leaders Barca in La Liga on Saturday, are on the back foot in the Cup after Barca secured a 1-1 draw at the Bernabeu in last month's first leg.

Cesc Fabregas put the visitors ahead five minutes after halftime before Raphael Varane nodded an 81st-minute equaliser.

Tuesday's match will be the 224th meeting between the great rivals in all competitions. Barca have won 87 to Real's 88 and there have been 48 draws.

Get Rediff News in your Inbox:
Source: REUTERS
© Copyright 2024 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.

India In Australia 2024-2025