TEAM NEWS: Kaka starts for Real Madrid as they host Sevilla in La Liga

9 Feb 2013 20:12:00

The Brazilian midfielder makes a rare start for los Blancos, who also name both Karim Benzema and Gonzalo Higuain in their starting line-up for tonight's Primera clash

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho makes a number of changes to his side for their league match against Sevilla this evening, as Kaka starts in La Liga for only the second time this season.

Karim Benzema and Gonzalo Higuain are both included from the off as the reigning league champions name an attacking XI.

With their Champions League clash against Manchester United firmly on the horizon, Mourinho has decided to rotate his squad and names Sami Khedira and Mesut Ozil as substitutes tonight. Michael Essien starts in midfield alongside Luka Modric, while Kaka replaces Ozil in attacking midfield.

Raphael Varane and Xabi Alonso are both ruled out through injury, but there is good news for los Merengues as Pepe is fit to be on the bench after a lengthy spell out.

Sevilla are still without the injured trio of Diego Perotti, Cicinho and Piotr Trochowski while Ivan Rakitic is also unavailable tonight after being sent off against Rayo Vallecano last weekend.

Hedwiges Maduro takes the Croatian's place in midfield.

Up front Alvaro Negredo is supported by an attacking three of Jesus Navas, Geoffrey Kondogbia and Jose Reyes.

Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Lopez; Arbeloa, Ramos, Albiol, Coentrao; Essien, Modric; Ronaldo, Kaka, Benzema; Higuain

Subs: Adan, Pepe, Khedira, Ozil, Carvalho, Callejon, Morata

Sevilla (4-2-3-1): Beto; Coke, Fazio, Spahic, Navarro; Maduro, Medel; Navas, Kondogbia, Reyes; Negredo

Subs: Julian, Del Moral, Hervas, Stevanovic, Baba, Botia, Alberto