Gareth Bale Ruled Out for Real Madrid's Next 2 Matches with Hamstring Injury
Dec 5, 2019
VITORIA GASTEIZ, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 30: Gareth Bale of Real Madrid during the La Liga Santander match between Deportivo Alaves v Real Madrid at the Estadio de Mendizorroza on November 30, 2019 in Vitoria Gasteiz Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Real Madrid star Gareth Bale will reportedly miss their next two matches, against Espanyol and Club Brugge, because of a hamstring injury.
The winger is still in contention to be fit in time for the first Clasico of the season against Barcelona on December 18. AS (h/t Football Espana) reported Bale has returned to the treatment table and is also a doubt for Real's trip to face Valencia on December 15.
Bale, 30, will miss the visit of Espanyol in La Liga on Saturday, when Los Blancos hope to extend their eight-match unbeaten streak before travelling to Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday.
Manager Zinedine Zidane only recently had Bale back to full fitness following a calf injury, and he has already missed nine of the club's 20 matches in all competitions this season.
Some early promise saw Bale score two goals and record one assist in his first three appearances of the campaign, although he's had just one direct goal involvement since then with an assist against Granada on October 5.
Bale appeared to be in good spirits with the rest of Real's squad at a team dinner on Thursday, per Sergio Ramos' Twitter account:
El ChiringuitoĀ (h/tĀ AS)Ā reported Marcelo gifted Bale a new golf club as his "Secret Santa," perhaps in jest at the Welshman's recent flag controversy, as reported by theĀ Guardian'sĀ Sid Lowe.
Zidane has already lost right-sided winger Lucas Vazquez to a fractured toe, while Marco Asensio is a long-term absentee because of a knee injury.Ā Rodrygo Goes, 18, looks to have overtaken Brazilian compatriot Vinicius Jr., 19, in the winger pecking order and could gain further minutes in theĀ matchups to come.
The former has scored six times in 11 appearances across all competitions this season, including a hat-trick and assist in a 6-0 thrashing of Galatasaray in the UEFA Champions League.
Bale has been linked with a return to Tottenham Hotspur after a summer filled with speculation, though Spurs manager Jose Mourinho recently refused to entertain the rumours, via Omnisport:
Bale has proved susceptible to injury during his time in Madrid, and there's a chance Zidane may rely more on other Real wingers to be fit for El Clasico ahead of the Welsh whiz.
Real Madrid Confirm Eden Hazard Has Fractured Ankle, Set to Miss El Clasico
Dec 5, 2019
Real Madrid have confirmed that Eden Hazard has fractured a bone in his ankle and is set to miss the upcoming Clasico showdown with Barcelona.
The club published a medical report on Hazard on Thursday, with the injury he suffered in the clash with Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League confirmed to be worse than first thought.
Kristof Terreur of Het Laatste Nieuws provided further details, noting the former Chelsea man has a small fracture in his ankle:
First scans and second scans: a small fracture in the ankle. Out for a while. https://t.co/tkkKZlf35m
Los Blancos face Barcelona on December 18 at the Camp Nou. Before that, they have clashes with Espanyol, Club Brugge and Valencia to negotiate.
Hazard picked up the initial issue in the 2-2 draw withĀ PSGĀ following a swipe from Belgium team-mate ThomasĀ Meunier.
It appeared as though the 28-year-old would only be on the sidelines for a short amount of time and subsequently be ready for what promises to be a crunch showdown with Barcelona later this month.
However, LosĀ BlancosĀ now look set to be without their star forward for potentially the rest of the year. For managerĀ ZinedineĀ Zidane, the news comes as a major blow ahead of such an important run of matches.
It will be difficult news for Hazard, too, as he was slowly beginning to find his feet as a Real Madrid player before being sidelined.
PerĀ OptaJose, it would appear the summer signing has had a positive effect on the team:
0 - Real Madrid have not lost any of their eight @LaLigaEN games with Eden Hazard (W6 D2), winning 75% of them (6/8), compared to 50% without him (3/6). Injury. pic.twitter.com/yNHN8iU2lq
In the win over RealĀ SociedadĀ and draw withĀ PSG, Hazard was particularly impressive. While he didn't score or set up a goal in either gameāthe Belgian only has one La Liga goal and assist this seasonāhe was a menace on the left flank, causing huge problems for opposition defenders.
When Madrid signed Hazard, it would have been with matches like the one upcoming at the CampĀ NouĀ in mind, because he possesses the ability to shine on the big stage.
Ahead of the next round of La Liga matches, Barcelona and Madrid are locked together on 31 points at the top of the table, a point clear ofĀ Sevilla,Ā who have played a game more.
Dani Carvajal's Goal Edges Real Madrid Past Alaves in 2-1 La Liga Win
Nov 30, 2019
Real Madrid's Spanish defender Daniel Carvajal (L) celebrates after scoring a goal during the Spanish league football match between Deportivo Alaves and Real Madrid CF at the Mendizorroza stadium in Vitoria on November 30, 2019. (Photo by ANDER GILLENEA / AFP) (Photo by ANDER GILLENEA/AFP via Getty Images)
Real Madrid are three points clear at the top of La Liga after beating Alaves 2-1 on Saturday. Sergio Ramos headed in the opener at the Estadio Mendizorroza before giving away a penalty after a foul on Joselu.
Lucas Perez scored from the spot for Alaves, but Dani Carvajal prodded in the winner soon after to help Los Blancos move above bitter rivals Barcelona.Ā Ā
The Blaugrana can take back top spot with a positive result on Sunday, although the reigning champions face a tricky trip to Atletico Madrid.
Gareth Bale made a rare start and didn't waste time making an impact, seeing his deflected header glance off the post with Alaves goalkeeper Fernando Pacheco well beaten.
The visitors went close again on 18 minutes when Carvajal's cross fell to Isco. However, the cultured midfielder directed his effort clean over the bar.
Despite their initial attacking impetus, Real were soon dragged into a scrappy affair. Aggressive challenges and pedestrian passing stymied the flow of play, with Luka Modric going into the book following a late tackle on Ruben Duarte.
When Real did open things up, they found Pacheco in fine form, with the stopper turning away a powerful effort from Casemiro eight minutes before the end of what proved to be a goalless first half.
A more simple route to goal finally yielded Real's breakthrough when Ramos headed in from a Toni Kroos corner seven minutes into the second half.
Goals still come easily to Ramos, even in the winter of the rugged centre-back's career:
Sergio Ramos has scored as many goals in LaLiga (3) as Gareth Bale (2) and Eden Hazard (1) combined.
Even so, the dichotomy of Ramos has always made him a fascinating player, and the 33-year-old's reckless streak haunted Los Merengues again when he elbowed Joselu on 63 minutes.
A yellow card and a penalty were appropriate punishments, allowing former Arsenal and Deportivo La Coruna striker Perez to convert.
He endured a tough time in England, but Perez has found his smile again since joining Alaves:
But not so cool as he conceded a penalty with a foolish elbow! š”
— La Liga Lowdown š§”šŖšøā½ļø (@LaLigaLowdown) November 30, 2019
Losing the lead prompted Zinedine Zidane to hook Bale for Rodrygo Goes. Yet it was another sometimes-overlooked player who soon helped restore Real's lead.
The telling contribution came from Isco, whose header came back off the post and fell kindly for Carvajal to tap in.
Most of the resulting pressure during the final 21 minutes was applied by the hosts, with Perez and Aleix Vidal both going close. Alphonse Areola also needed to be commanding to claim a few corners in the Real box.
Ultimately, Real stayed solid enough at the back to survive eight minutes of stoppage time and preserve a result good enough to take them top. The performance didn't match the result, but not for the first time during Zidane's two tenures, Los Blancos somehow found a way to win.
It's a trait useful enough to possibly earn another title.
Ā Ā
What's Next?
Real host Espanyol at the Santiago Bernabeu in La Liga on Saturday, while Alaves will be in Granada on the same day.
Zinedine Zidane Says Vinicius Jr. 'Not Going Anywhere' Amid January Loan Talk
Nov 29, 2019
Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has shut down talk of Vinicius Junior leaving the club on loan in January.
The 19-year-old has struggled for game time this season, and Real Valladolid owner Ronaldoāwho played for Madrid between 2002 and 2007āhas publicly stated his desire to recruit him on loan.
Per AS' Rob TrainĀ and Andy Hall, Zidane, a former team-mate of Ronaldo's at the Santiago Bernabeu, said on Friday:
"No, he's not going anywhere, he will stay here, he's a member of the squad.
"We have 25 or 26 players.Ā Lately he hasn't been playing much, but we will still count on him.
"Right now it's not his moment, but very quickly it could be, and he is here to help the team. He will stay here."Ā
Zidane added that "we'll see tomorrow" as to whether he features in Saturday's trip to Deportivo Alaves and said Vinicius "has to be ready for when his chance comes."
The teenager was a bright spark in an otherwise disappointing season for Los Blancos in the last campaign.
He made 31 first-team appearances, including 20 starts. In that time, he contributed an impressive 12 assists, as well as scoring on three occasions.
However, a knee injury caused him to miss the first eight of Zidane's 11 matches after the Frenchman returned to the dugout in March, replacing Santiago Solari.
This season, he has played just 11 times and made onlyĀ four starts, the most recent of which was on October 19. Vinicius has produced one goal and one assist during his 448 minutes on the pitch.
After the Brazilian was left out of Real's UEFA Champions League squad to face Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, football writers Kaustubh Pandey and Zach Lowy both suggested he be sent on loan:
I feel Vinicius should be loaned out by Real Madrid in January.
The current situation demands patience but how he was last season shows that he should be playing first-team football. He's still the future of the club, but not in immediate terms.
Given he'd likely be a regular starter elsewhere and he's at a stage in his career where game time is needed for his development, a loan could be the best course of action for all parties.
That said, Vinicius' situation could improve in January when the Supercopa de Espana and the Copa del Rey return.
Real will play two matches in the former on January 8 and 12 if they beat Valencia in the first game, while in the latter, they could play four matches between January 22 and February 12 if they progress to the semi-finals.
They'll still have La Liga duties to contend with and the return of the UEFA Champions League knockout phase, so Zidane will need to make use of his entire squad during that period, Vinicius included.
Alaves vs. Real Madrid: Odds, Live Stream, TV Schedule and Preview
Nov 29, 2019
Real Madrid's players congratulate Karim Benzema, second right, after he scored his side's opening goal during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Eibar and Real Madrid at Ipurua stadium, in Eibar, northern Spain, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019. (AP Photo/Alvaro Barrientos)
Real Madrid will try to stretch their La Liga win streak to three matches on Saturday when they visit Deportivo Alaves.
Caesars have named Los Blancos -190 favourites (bet $100 to win $52.63), while Alaves check in at +510 (bet $100 to win $510). A draw carries odds of +330.
Premier Sports 1 (UK) and BeIN Sports (U.S.) will broadcast the match. Kick-off is scheduled for 12 p.m. GMT/7 a.m. ET.
Ā Ā Ā
Preview
Both teams come into this contest carrying a two-match win streak in La Liga, but 10 points separate table-topping Real and Alaves.
Los Blancos will have the opportunity to take sole possession of top spot for at least a day, with Barcelona visitingĀ Atletico Madrid on Sunday.
Real are coming off a disappointing 2-2 draw against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League in which they wasted a two-goal advantage.
Karim Benzema scored both goals and has been in exceptional form of late:
— Real Madrid C.F. š¬š§šŗšø (@realmadriden) November 27, 2019
Eden Hazard suffered an injury in that match, with Gareth Bale replacing him and nearly bagging a late match-winnerāthe Welshman hit the post with a free-kick.
He could be in line for his first start since October 5, when Los Blancos beat Granada 4-2. Bale has struggled with injuries since and also invited an avalanche of criticism during international duty.
Fans and media members in Madrid were outraged when they saw himĀ celebratingĀ with a "Wales. Golf. Madrid. In that order" flag after Wales clinched a UEFA Euro 2020 ticket. A strong run during Hazard's absence could help him win some of those fans back.
Real's La Liga success this season has mostly come thanks to their defence, which has conceded 10 goals so farāonly Atletico and Athletic Bilbao have conceded fewer (nine each).
They'll come up against the duo of Lucas Perez and Joselu, who have combined to score 13 of Alaves' 16 goals so far:
Perez's seven-match scoring run came to an end in the 2-0 win over Eibar, but Joselu picked up the slack by bagging both goals. They should provide Los Blancos with a major test but one Real should pass.
Prediction: Alaves 1-2 Real Madrid
Thomas Meunier 'Sad' After Injuring Eden Hazard in Real Madrid vs. PSG
Nov 28, 2019
Paris Saint-Germain defender Thomas Meunier has said he feels "sad" after his tackle left Belgian compatriot Eden Hazard with an ankle injury on Tuesday.
PSG and Real Madrid played out a thrilling 2-2 draw in the UEFA Champions League, with goals from Kylian Mbappe and Pablo Sarabia late on cancelling out Karim Benzema's brace.
Madrid played well for long spells of the game, but their night was blemished when Hazard was swiped at by Meunier and subsequently brought off. Real Madrid confirmed the 28-year-old has picked up an "external bruise on his right leg."
Meunier was apologetic after the incident and said he tried to get in touch with Hazard to say sorry, per La Derniere Heure (h/t Get French Football News):
"IĀ am honestly sad. I tried to contact him directly after the match, but I couldn't reach him. Aside from that, I saw two or three of his team-mates who said that he had taken quite a hit. I cross my fingers that it is not too bad. If there is one player who I really don't want to injure, it's Eden."
Here are the highlights from the match, in which the two European heavyweights played out a gripping contest at the Santiago Bernabeu:
As football writer Rik Sharma relayed, Hazard was enjoying one of his best matches for Madrid following his summer switch from Chelsea:
Hazard, on his best Madrid performance yet, taken out by Belgium team-mate Meunier and is being forced off with ankle injury
According to Tomas Roncero of AS, the Los Blancos star is set to be sidelined for around 10 days. If Hazard is out for the amount of time mentioned, then he'll likely miss the matches with Alaves and Espanyol, but he will be available for upcoming fixtures with Valencia and Barcelona.
While the Belgium international doesn't appear poised to miss any vital outings, he will be frustrated to be on the sidelines after recently building up some momentum, per Lucas Navarrete of Managing Madrid:
Hazard injured just when he was reaching his form. Appears to be an ankle sprain.
Although Hazard has failed to register a goal or an assist in either of his previous two outingsāMadrid played Real Sociedad in La Liga on Saturdayāhe's been a standout performer for the team.
While there were times earlier in the campaign when Hazard was sluggish and indecisive, he's now more vibrant and dynamic in possession. Gradually, he's beginning to show why so many Madridistas were excited to see him rock up in the Spanish capital.
Meunier doesn't appear to have done serious damage to Hazard on this occasion. Given how important the forward is for Belgium, too, the full-back's heart would have been in his mouth in the aftermath of that challenge.Ā Ā
Could Gareth Bale Return to Spurs If He Finally Leaves Real Madrid?
Nov 28, 2019
MADRID, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 26: Gareth Bale of Real Madrid controls the ball during the UEFA Champions League group A match between Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain at Bernabeu on November 26, 2019 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)
The club's Ā£86 million signing from Tottenham Hotspur made his switch in 2013, but in just his second season, he became a scapegoat for many of the Bernabeu crowd. When things didn't go well, he would find himself in the firing line.
Some didn't like his style of playāthey thought he was too greedy. Others thought he was not worthy of his Galactico status.Ā
It was in March 2015 that Bale considered for the first time whether he might need to find a way out. He had one goal from nine games and had found himself under fireāalong with a few other Madrid startersāfor struggling to progress in the UEFA Champions League.
They got past Schalke despite a 4-3 home defeat, yet fans were furious. AsĀ reported in the Daily Mail from the time, as Bale left the stadium that night: "Supporters appeared to abuse him, yelling: 'Son of bitches! Assh--e! Gay!' before one said: 'Male prostitute Welshman.'"
It was a bad time, and one source close to the 30-year-old told Bleacher Report that things could have turned out very differently. "He was torn over whether to return to the Premier LeagueāManchester United were keen on him at the timeāor whether to stay, fight and win people over.
"He quickly decided to stay another year and attempt to win over the doubters."Ā
That year has turned into four, but now Bale finds himself in 2019 dealing with more abuse from the stands.
You would think he had done enough to win over the critics. He has won the Champions League four times with Real since 2014 and was the hero of their 2018 success over Liverpool in Kiev, Ukraine. Bale has played 240 games, scored 104 goals and made 67 assists.Ā
Yet his decision to dance behind a Wales flag with the words "Wales. Golf. Madrid. In that order" while celebrating his country's qualification for UEFA Euro 2020 riled the Madrid locals. This time, you have to wonder if this really is his final season in Spain.
Gareth Bale posing with a Welsh flag with "WALES. GOLF. MADRID. IN THAT ORDER" written on it.
Ex Real star Predrag Mijatovic recently said: 'The first thing he thinks about is Wales, then golf and after that, Real Madrid. I haven't spoken to him but that's how he comes across.' pic.twitter.com/WLEWskgVRy
Bale's injury issues have tainted his time at Real Madridāsports news outlet ASĀ even gave him the nickname "Mr Glass" because of the number of matches he was forced to miss. His teammates nicknamed him "The Golfer" because of how much time he spends on the fairway.
According to Transfermarkt, Bale has missed 77 matches during his time at the club. With that in mind, you can understand why some fans might have felt disrespected to see him joking about the club not being his priority.
Despite all the negative headlines from his time on the continent, sources close to the player insist he enjoys his life there. He's kept close friends and family around him at all times to deal with any homesickness, and he has been able to shrug off most of the stick that has come his way.
The source told B/R: "One of the things that has been discussed publicly about him quite a few times is the fact he is not part of the team because he misses team nights out.
"The truth behind that is quite simply that he doesn't like having dinner at 10:30 p.m. as most of the team do and as is usual in Spain. He prefers to have his tea earlier, relax at home with his family, and go to bed. It's strange that he gets criticised for not wanting to be out lateābut that's the way it's been."
Bale was booed in his first match back from Wales international duty on Saturday as Madrid beat Real Sociedad 3-1. He came on as a substitute but played so well in his 23-minute stint that some fans were clapping him again by full-time. There was a better reception after coming off the bench again when they faced Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Tuesday night, and he almost scored the winner when his free-kick hit the post with just 30 seconds remaining.
Bale's contract runs to 2022, but there is a growing feeling around Madrid that he will be sold at the end of this season. So could he now return to Tottenham and forge an incredible link-up with Jose Mourinho?
It's a dream scenario for fans of the north London club, but the terms of such a transfer would be incredibly tricky.
Bale earns more than Ā£600,000 per week in Spaināabout three times the figure Harry Kane currently picks up as Spurs' top earner.
Chairman Daniel Levy ripped up his normal pay structure to accommodate Kane on his terms and would have to show incredible negotiating skills to find a space for Bale on the payroll.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWQXiTJCy0M
Interestingly, though, one informed intermediary told Bleacher Report that Levy would be open to the prospect of a Bale returnāif that is what Mourinho believes would be needed.
It is thought he even put the idea to Mourinho during talks before he took the job. One source suggested Spurs might even be tempted to try a cheeky loan offer for Bale in January if he is unhappy with his situation. But such a move would be unlikely, unless it was to lead to a permanent agreement.
An emotional return to Spurs would possibly rely on Bale showing as much sentiment as ambition, as others will also want him.
Manchester United have tried on multiple occasions to sign the Welshman and will no doubt be linked again soon. Paris Saint-Germain are also going to be in the running if Bale looks to move onāwhile there is also the threat of him moving to China, as seemingly nearly happenedĀ when Jiangsu Suning made him an offer in July.
Such a move could crop up again, butĀ Madrid could also use Bale to their advantage as they attempt to revamp their own squad in 2020.
Those interested clubsāSpurs, United and PSGāall own players who Madrid are keen to sign, in the shape of Christian Eriksen, Paul Pogba and Kylian Mbappe.
Of the three, PSG have the strongest case for making Bale part of a direct deal while also being able to offer him a mouthwatering package of his own.
Bale has shown he can handle pressure, criticism and abuse during his time in Spain, but this could be the time to make a change.
Listen to the B/R Football Ranks podcast. New episodes every Wednesday.Ā Subscribe here. And if you are already a fan of the show, vote for it for Best Podcast at theĀ FSA awards here.Ā
Ā
Real Madrid's Eden Hazard Has Bruised Ankle, Won't Miss Clasico vs. Barcelona
Nov 27, 2019
Real Madrid's Belgian forward Eden Hazard gestures in pain during the UEFA Champions League group A football match Real Madrid against Paris Saint-Germain FC at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on November 26, 2019. (Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS / AFP) (Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP via Getty Images)
Eden HazardĀ has been diagnosed with perimalleolar bruising in his injured ankle and will be out for about 10 days, per Real Madrid.
Santiago Siguero ofĀ MarcaĀ shared the news from the club, noting that Hazard can return in about 10 days and will be fit for the Clasico on December 18 against Barcelona.
Hazard suffered the injury duringĀ Real Madrid's 2-2 UEFA Champions League draw with Paris Saint-Germain.
Hazard walked off the pitch after a clash with Belgian compatriot Thomas Meunier. After the contest, manager Zinedine Zidane told reporters the forward had sprained his ankle, per Football Espana: "There is a little worry over Hazard at full-time. He was in pain at full-time, and we think it is more than an impact injury. It is a sprained ankle, but hopefully not a severe sprain. We will know more in the coming days."
The 28-year-old had enjoyed a fine outing until he suffered the injury, and Los Blancos were leading 1-0 thanks to a goal from Karim Benzema when he came off. The Frenchman netted a second, but goals from Kylian Mbappe and Pablo Sarabia earned the visitors a draw.
In his 68 minutes on the pitch, Hazard made a big impact:
Eden Hazard's game by numbers vs. PSG:
68 minutes 91% pass accuracy 71 touches 4 chances created 4 take-ons completed 2 fouls won
According to Football Espana, the initial timetable for his return was set at two weeks, which would see Hazard miss La Liga contests against Deportivo Alaves and Espanyol, as well as the trip to Belgian side Club Brugge in the Champions League.
Los Blancos will be hoping he doesn't miss any additional time, with difficult visits to Valencia and Barcelona on the schedule after that. El Clasico on December 18 is particularly important, pitting La Liga's current co-leaders against each other.
Gareth Bale replaced the Belgian on Tuesday and hit the post with a late free-kick (U.S. viewers only):
He could move back into the starting XI and have the chance to win back some of the fans and media members who were seemingly angry with his conduct during the last international break, celebrating with a "Wales. Golf. Madrid. In that order" flag.
Thibaut Courtois Says Gareth Bale 'Committed' to Real Madrid After Boos
Nov 25, 2019
MADRID, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 23: Gareth Bale of Real Madrid during the La Liga Santander match between Real Madrid v Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabeu on November 23, 2019 in Madrid Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has come to the defence of Gareth Bale after the forward was booed during their 3-1 win over Real Sociedad on Saturday.
Bale made his first appearance for Real since October 5āduring which time he'd played on four occasions for Wales across two international breaksāwhen he came off the bench to whistles at the Santiago Bernabeu.
"You love your country and that comes before where you are playing, but he is involved every day and is a professional.Ā
"He was very involved when he came on and generated a lot of danger.Ā [Luka] Modric's goal came from a cross of his.Ā If he wasn't committed, he wouldn't play like that.
"We are here to win games.Ā What has happened, has happened.Ā He gives everything in training and matches to help us win.Ā The Bernabeu has its opinion and I am not in a position to comment on that."
A hostile reception for Bale was to be expected on Saturday after he and his Wales team-mates celebrated their UEFA Euro 2020 qualification with a fan-made flag that mocked his treatment by the Spanish media:
š“ó §ó ¢ó ·ó ¬ó ³ó æ Wales ā³ļø Golf šŖšø Madrid
In that order...
Gareth Bale and his Welsh team-mates celebrated their #Euro2020 qualification with a cheeky flag last night
Manager Zinedine Zidane had urged supporters not to boo the winger, but sections of the crowd were vocal in their disapproval for him when he entered the pitch in the 67th minute.
The coach spoke after the game and called for fans to get behind the team:
Gareth Bale was booed by Real Madrid's fans on Saturday š³
Spanish football commentator Eduardo Alvarez condemned those in the crowd who continued to boo him throughout his time on the pitch:
Embarrassed by yesterdayās boos against Bale. He didnāt help his cause, agreed, but one thing is to remind him that the club pays his salary and a very different one is to boo him every time he touches the ball. The Bernabeu at its depressing worst
However, as Courtois observed, Bale performed well despite the reception he received. He played an important role in Modric's goal to wrap things up, as it was his cross that Karim Benzema headed down to the Croatian.
The Spanish Football Podcast praised Bale's performance off the bench:
Bernabeu crowd still trying to whistle Bale's every touch but looking a bit silly as basically everything he's done since coming on has been very good.
Bale has returned two goals and as many assists in eight Los Blancos appearances this season.
Overall, he has 104 goals and 67 assists in 239 matches for the club, which has helped them win four UEFA Champions League titles, La Liga and the Copa del Rey since leaving Tottenham Hotspur in 2013.
Bale still hasn't won over some of the fans after all he's done, but the cameo was a reminder of the kind of impact he can makeāhe could still play a significant role in any success Real enjoy this season.
Eden Hazard Says Kylian Mbappe Will 'Certainly Be the Best Player in the World'
Nov 25, 2019
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JULY 10: Kylian Mbappe of France and Eden Hazard of Belgium during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between Belgium and France at Saint Petersburg Stadium on July 10, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images)
Real Madrid forward Eden Hazard thinks Paris Saint-Germain striker Kylian Mbappe will go on to become the best footballer in the world.
At 20 years old, Mbappe has already accomplished so much in his career. He starred at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in France's glorious campaign, and he has already won three Ligue 1 titlesātwo with PSG and one with Monaco.
Given he still has many years ahead of him, Mbappe's potential has excited plenty in the game, and Hazard is sure the Frenchman will reach the summit of the sport.
"In a few years, he will certainly be the best player in the world," said the Real Madrid star, per Le Parisien (h/tĀ IeuanĀ IvettĀ of theĀ MailOnline). "This title, there are a lot of players who fight for it, but if he continues like this, Kylian will be one of the greatest footballers in the history of the world."
Hazard was also asked about the rumours linking Mbappe with a move to Los Blancos and said he would love to play alongside the forward given the chance:Ā "A footballer constantly dreams of playing alongside the best. If tomorrow I could bring Kylian to Real Madrid, I would try.Ā But not only is it not just me who can decide this, on top of that, I don't even think I would be asked for my opinion."
Madrid have a forward of their own who is shining, though, with Karim Benzema one of the only players in the world who can rival Mbappe's scoring haul in 2019:
However, Benzema turns 32 next month, so there will be thoughts about the future at the Santiago Bernabeu.
With Luka Jovic not yet settling in to life with Los Blancos, it's no surprise rumours linking the club with Mbappe have started to ramp up again in recent weeks.
L'EquipeĀ (h/tĀ Get French Football News)Ā reported that PSG want to tie Mbappe down to a new contract, although the forward isn't completely convinced by the team's ability to challenge for the UEFA Champions League.
Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane also recently added fuel to the speculation, saying it's Mbappe's "dream" to play for the club:
Zinedine Zidane knows Kylian Mbappe's 'dream' is to play for Real Madrid š pic.twitter.com/gpduffPYec
Hazard made his own big-money transfer to Madrid in the summer and is beginning to find his feet after a slow start to his time at the club. While he's still only scored one La Liga goal, the Belgian's quick feet and dribbling skill have been key to Los Blancos' improvement in form lately.
Talk about Mbappe and Madrid will likely continue this week, with the two sides set to meet in the Champions League in the Spanish capital on Tuesday.Ā
