Michael Essien has been has been handed a second consecutive Real Madrid start in Monday’s rearranged La Liga fixture at Rayo Vallecano.
The on-loan Chelsea midfielder gets the nod ahead of Mesut Ozil after impressing on his debut against Manchester City in the in the UEFA Champions League.
Essien will partner Xabi Alonso and Luka Modric in midfield.
Real Madrid centre-back Sergio Ramos returns to the starting XI after he was dropped to the bench in midweek.
Mourinho has decided to start Karim Benzema ahead of Gonzalo Higuain.
Real Madrid starting line-up:
Casillas, Arbeloa, Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo; Xabi Alonso, Essien, Modric; Di Maria, Ronaldo, Benzema
