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#2 Bale has a point to prove
With Gareth Bale in contention to start, this might be one of those rare opportunities to shine and clear the hazy clouds building over his future in the Spanish capital.
The Welshman has been consistently ignored by Zidane - he has started just one knock-out tie in the Champions League and was withdrawn after 45 minutes in that match. In La Liga, he’s started only 16 games thus far, although he missed 10 on the trot from matchday 6 to 16.
He’s reduced to more of a utility player who plays in games like these and when the regulars need a rest. Such grim is his status these days. Some of this can be apportioned to the recurring injuries, but Bale has done the bare minimum to impress when on the field too.
Now here’s a slim chance to turn the fortunes around. Whether he starts on his preferred left-wing or operates as one of the forwards in the 4-4-2, Bale has only one objective going into the match. And that’s to leave a lasting impression. A couple of goals here might help him warrant a start for the remainder of the season. And also secure his Madrid future.
