LaLiga 2018/19: Real Madrid 0-1 Barcelona, 5 key takeaways

#2 Gareth Bale continues to struggle

Real Madrid v FC Barcelona - Copa del Rey Semi Final: Second Leg

Bale was the world record signing when he arrived at Real Madrid from Tottenham in the summer of 2013 off his breathtaking performances for Spurs which saw him twice named the PFA Player of the Year.

However, the Welshman failed to carry his form into Spain and much of this was pinned down to the presence of Ronaldo, as the Portuguese was the undoubted star of the show with Bale and everyone else expected to take a backseat and play second fiddle.

Real Madrid's record goalscorer however departed last summer and it was expected that Bale would be among the biggest beneficiaries of his departure, as it would afford him the chance to be the star of the show much like he was at Tottenham and with his national team.

However, that has proven to not be the case, as the 29-year-old has struggled to impact matches in the manner Ronaldo did, while also failing to match his exploits on the field.

So far this season, Bale has managed just seven goals and two assists from 21 matches which are rather poor figures considering how much was expected of him.

His poor form led to him being dropped by Santi Solari in recent weeks, but the Argentine restored him to the starting lineup in the Clasico.

Bale however failed to take his chances, being more of a spectator and struggling to take the game to Barcelona when Real were in desperate need of an equalizer.

The jeers around the Bernabeu upon his substitution shows that the fans' patience with him is running thin, while his petulance in not acknowledging Solari on his way to the bench is significant of an underlying problem.

In six seasons at Real Madrid, it is yet to truly click for Bale (and this is taking nothing away from him, as on his day he is an extremely talented footballer), which is why it might be time for him to call it quits with the club.