The Portuguese receives a rare rest as Jose Mourinho rotates his squad ahead of El Clasico clash on Tuesday

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has opted to leave Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench for his side’s trip to face Deportivo in the Spanish Primera Division on Saturday evening.

Los Blancos have a vital match on the horizon as they face Barcelona in El Clasico in the Copa fel Rey on Tuesday, and the Portuguese coach has has rotated his starting XI for the league clash.

Diego Lopez continues in goal due to the absence of Iker Casillas. His defence will include the returning Marcelo, as well as Alvaro Arbeloa, Pepe, and Ricardo Carvalho. Luka Modric features in the middle of the park alongside Michael Essien.

With Ronaldo on the substitutes bench, Mourinho has opted for Jose Callejon, Kaka, and Angel Di Maria to support Gonzalo Higuain in attack.

Deportivo has been boosted by the return of left-back, Ayoze, who makes his first start since December.

Coach, Fernando Vazquez will be looking for the likes of Pizzi, Riki, Bruno Gama, and Juan Valeron to flourish as the front four for Depor.

Deportivo (4-2-3-1): Aranzubia; Silvio, Kaka, Marchena, Ayoze; Abel Aguilar, Assuncao; Gama, Pizzi, Valeron; Riki.

Subs: Oliveira, Dominguez, Bergantinos, Vazquez, Camunas, Salomao, Lux

Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Diego Lopez; Arbeloa, Pepe, Carvalho, Marcelo; Essien, Modric; Di Maria, Kaka, Callejon; Higuain

Subs: Adan, Coentrao, Albiol, Khedira, Ozil, Ronaldo, Morata