Real Madrid Play Real Betis to 0-0 Draw After VAR Negates Eden Hazard Goal
Nov 2, 2019
Real Madrid and Real Betis shared a goalless drawon Saturday in La Liga at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
It was a disappointing match for the home side but a vital point gained for struggling Betis.
Eden Hazard thought he had broken the deadlock in the first half. However, the video assistant referee ruled the goal out for offside.
The Belgian's opening spell as a Madrid player continues to be laced with disappointment, as the former Chelsea star is yet to hit top form in the capital.
Ferland Mendy and Luka Modric were drafted into Zinedine Zidane's starting XI, and Los Blancos dominated possession against the outfit that's hovering above the relegation zone.
Sergio Ramos almost broke the deadlock in the third minute, but his header from Toni Kroos' cross just missed the target.
There was good chemistry on show between Karim Benzema and Hazard during the first half, and the Belgian superstar believed he had scored after eight minutes before the VAR intervened.
Hazard finished in style but was called back for offside before he beat Betis goalkeeper Joel Robles from a tight angle.
Benzema has been a star performer for Zidane this season, and the forward was always a threat against a cautious defence.
Nabil Fekir and Loren Moron caused intermittent problems for Real's midfield and defence, but neither side could regularly hit the target before half-time.
The game was temporarily brought to a halt in the second half because Robles continued to struggle with his contact lenses.
Real searched for a goal in the last 20 minutes, and Vinicius Junior was brought on for Rodrygo midway through the second half.
However, the hosts lacked a cutting edge, and their attack appeared progressively flat with the game heading toward the final whistle.
Betis were looking for a counterpunch, and it nearly came from Fekir with eight minutes remaining. The France international's shot was expertly saved by Thibaut Courtois.
Luka Jovic rose from the bench for the last six minutes of the game after Zidane decided to switch Benzema out of the attack.
Vinicius and Ramos both went close during seven minutes of injury time, with Madrid throwing everything at Betis for a winner, but the visitors defended in numbers and took home a valuable share of the points.
What's Next
Madrid host Galatasaray in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday. Betis, meanwhile, welcome neighbours Sevilla to Estadio Benito Villamarin in La Liga on Nov. 10.
Real Madrid's Rodrygo After Scoring in 1st La Liga Start: 'I Didn't Expect It'
Oct 31, 2019
MADRID, SPAIN - OCTOBER 30: Rodrygo of Real Madrid during the La Liga Santander match between Real Madrid v Leganes at the Santiago Bernabeu on October 30, 2019 in Madrid Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Real Madrid youngster Rodrygo has said he did not expect to be so involved in the first team after scoring in his first La Liga start in Wednesday's 5-0 thrashing of Leganes.
The 18-year-old Brazilian arrived at Real in the summer after agreeing a £40 million move to the Santiago Bernabeu from Santos in June 2018.
He has played in three of Real's La Liga games this season, netting two goals:
2 - Rodrygo Goes has scored two goals from his first three shots in @LaLigaEN, while Vinícius Júnior needed 24 shots to score his first two goals for Real Madrid in the competition. Impact. pic.twitter.com/4AycjNRTOS
Rodrygo also started Real's 1-0 win over Galatasaray last week in the UEFA Champions League, and he said after the Leganes win he is surprised by the amount of game time he is being granted by manager Zinedine Zidane, per Sport: "I'm very happy for everything that's happening to me. I didn't expect it and everything is moving so quickly. But I'm very satisfied with the trust being shown in me."
Rodrygo opened the scoring early against Leganes, and Toni Kroos then put Real 2-0 ahead inside 10 minutes before Sergio Ramos netted from the penalty spot to join Raul and Lionel Messi in the history books:
Only three players have scored in 16 straight La Liga seasons: —Raul —Leo Messi —Sergio Ramos
In the second half, Karim Benzema and Luka Jovic completed the rout to move Real back into second in the table, a point behind leaders Barcelona.
Los Blancos are back in action at home again on Saturday when they host Real Betis, who got back to winning ways with a 2-1 win over Celta Vigo on Wednesday after a four-game run without a victory.
Betis beat Real on their last trip to the Bernabeu, prevailing 2-0 on the final weekend of the 2018-19 campaign.
Zinedine Zidane: Vinicius Must Continue Working in Face of Eden Hazard Challenge
Oct 31, 2019
Real Madrid's Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior (L) shakes hands with Real Madrid's French coach Zinedine Zidane as he leaves the pitch during the Spanish league football match between Real Madrid CF and CA Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, on September 25, 2019. (Photo by OSCAR DEL POZO / AFP) (Photo credit should read OSCAR DEL POZO/AFP/Getty Images)
Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has said Vinicius Junior "must continue working" now he's competing with Eden Hazard for a place in the lineup.
Vinicius made a surprise run into Real's first team during a challenging 2018-19 campaign, but his prospects have changed since Los Blancos signed Hazard from Chelsea for an initial €100 million this past summer.
The 19-year-old was omitted from the squad that defeated Leganes 5-0 in La Liga on Wednesday, but Zidane told reporters he was confident Vinicius has a place in his plans provided he works for it:
“Nothing has happened. This time he has to sit it out, but it means nothing. He matters the same as the others.
“What you have to think is that maybe last year Hazard wasn't here. Now Hazard is in his place. He must continue working, I will continue to count on him, he knows that we are going to count on him. Of course, it is a bit difficult for him to be left out, but that is the case for everyone. Those who are left out will be pissed off."
Five different goalscorers made the difference at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, including a maiden strike for substitute Luka Jovic in injury time.
Hazard won the first of two penalties Real scored—Sergio Ramos took the honours from 12 yards—though Bleacher Report's Dean Jones didn't feel his contribution justified man-of-the-match selection:
Madrid have breezed past Leganes 5-0 tonight and Eden Hazard got man of the match... But I'm really not sure why 🤷🏻♂️ Benzema was the real MOM. Again.
Vinicius has scored one goal and recorded one assist in nine appearances so far this season. He's played mostly on Real's left wing over the past year, the same position in which Hazard dazzled at Stamford Bridge and will be expected to do so in Madrid.
Gareth Bale has already missed games this season due to injury, while Spain winger Marco Asensio is a long-term absentee.
Nevertheless, Vinicius has encountered more wing competition from Brazilian compatriot Rodrygo Goes, who continues to settle in on the opposite flank:
Rodrygo, 18, scored twice in his first 50 minutes of Spanish league football. He came on to bag his maiden Liga strike in a 2-0 win over Osasuna in September before netting seven minutes into his full debut against Leganes.
Broadcaster Deji Faremi commented on the newer face at Real upstaging his (slightly) older countryman:
Rodrygo already adding goals to his game and showing ability to pop in different positions...it's not like that's what I've been clamouring for Vinicius to do more.
Vinicius has only featured in one of Real's last four league games and was omitted from the squad for two of those, but his expectations will also have moved beyond Castilla matters.
The former Palmeiras prodigy is discovering the difficulty that comes with elite-level competition, but Vinicius will hope to return to the squad when Zidane's side host Real Betis on Saturday.
Real Madrid Trounce Leganes 5-0 Behind Rodrygo, Sergio Ramos, Toni Kroos Goals
Oct 30, 2019
Real Madrid's Sergio Ramos places the ball for a penalty kick during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Real Madrid and Leganes at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2019. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)
Real Madrid defeated Leganes 5-0on Wednesday to move up to second in La Liga.
The home side were in the lead after Rodrygo's seventh-minute opener, and Toni Kroos made it 2-0 a minute later.
Leganes goalkeeper Juan Soriano was judged to have fouled Eden Hazard in the box after 24 minutes, allowing Sergio Ramos to hit the third with a penalty.
A second penalty made it 4-0 after Kenneth Omeruo fouled Luka Modric, and Karim Benzema converted after 69 minutes.
Luka Jovic notched the fifth with a header in stoppage time to fire Real up the table.
The hosts knew they had the points in the bag midway through the first half. It was the type of game manager Zinedine Zidane would have wanted to see before the opening whistle, beginning when Rodrygo combined with Benzema for an easy opener.
Home fans had to wait a matter of seconds for the next strike, and Benzema was once again the creator for his side. The Frenchman set up Kroos for his goal, and Leganes appeared out of the match after the first 10 minutes.
The bottom side were three down when Soriano clipped Hazard, and Ramos stepped up to take the penalty, only to see the stopper save his effort.
However, the video assistant referee intervened, and it was decided Soriano moved off his line before the ball was struck. The kick was retaken, and the Real skipper this time made sure he made it 3-0 before half-time.
The second half was equally as painful for the minnows, and a second spot-kick further increased the scoreline.
Modric drew a foul in the box from Omeruo, and after his excellent work combining with his team-mates, Benzema was given the chance to score from the spot.
The game was wrapped up in the first minute of injury time. Dani Carvajal's cross was met by Jovic, and the forward grabbed the fifth goal of the game.
What's Next
Madrid are back in La Liga action on Saturday against Real Betis, while Leganes host Eibar on Sunday.
Luka Modric Hails 'Exemplary' Gareth Bale Amid Real Madrid Exit Rumours
Oct 30, 2019
Luka Modric has said he believes Gareth Bale is "delighted" to be at Real Madrid amid rumours the Welshman wants to leave the Santiago Bernabeu.
Bale, 30, was spotted in London on Monday meeting with his agent, Jonathan Barnett.
A report from Rodrigo Faez of ESPN FC stated the former Tottenham Hotspur winger wants to leave the Santiago Bernabeu because of his "embittered relationship with managerZinedine Zidaneand constant injury problems."
Modric, though, has said Bale is happy at Real despite consistent rumours during his time in Madrid that he has failed to integrate and adapt to Spanish life, per Club del Deportista (h/t Fox Sports):
"Gareth and I are very similar. We are shy and sometimes we don't talk much. Gareth speaks and understands Spanish, and there is a good atmosphere, and he gets along very well with his team-mates and is delighted to enjoy Madrid and the best club in the world. Of course, everyone enjoys their own way, and you have to respect their way of being. He is exemplary with his behaviour. I get along very well with him."
Bale is contracted to Real until 2022 and has been remarkably successful since moving to the Bernabeu from Spurs for £85 million in 2013:
But then the Real board blocked his mooted transfer to Chinese Super League side Jiangsu Suning.
A decent start to the season for Bale, in which he netted two goals and provided two assists in six La Liga appearances, appeared to have ended the speculation surrounding his future.
But then he picked up yet another injury while on international duty.
Having not played since, missing games against Mallorca andGalatasaray, the exit talk surrounding Bale has reemerged, and it is likely only to gather more pace as the January transfer window draws closer.
Despite Goal Drought, Luka Jovic Will Get Lifeline to Save Real Madrid Career
Oct 30, 2019
(L-R) Yuto Nagatomo of Galatasaray AS, Luka Jovic of Real Madrid CF during the UEFA Champions League group A match between Galatasaray AS and Real Madrid at Turk Telekom Stadyumu on October 22, 2019 in Istanbul, Turkey(Photo by ANP Sport via Getty Images)
It was in March that Luka Jovic received a phone call that would radically change the direction of his career.
His agent had met with officials representing Real Madrid while in the Spanish capital, and they confirmed there was interest in signing the forward during the upcoming summer transfer window.
As Jovic listened to the news, it should not have come as a surprise. By that stage of Eintracht Frankfurt's campaign, he had bagged 22 goals across the German domestic league and the UEFA Europa League. With Sebastian Haller, he had formed one of the most formidable strike partnerships on the continent.
Yet Barcelona had been most commonly linked with a move for the Serbian striker, so Jovic and his crew took time to digest the news. It was an incredible moment.
Sources told B/R Football how there had been knowledge of Barca scouts regularly watching Jovic throughout the 2018/19 season, but Madrid's interest had been little more than rumour before that meeting at the end of March.
Suddenly, the whole landscape changed.
Madrid accelerated their interest from that day and went on to seal a transfer worth an initial €65 million at the beginning of June. Jovic, 22, signed a six-year contract, and it looked like an exciting deal.
Yet the start to life in Madrid has not been easy. He has featured in nine matches, completing 90 minutes just once, and has failed to score a goal. Already there are doubts over his long-term future.
Zinedine Zidane has been left unimpressed by Luka Jović and is prepared for the striker to leave Real Madrid on loan just two months after joining. (Source: MARCA) pic.twitter.com/FqhKzvFsQ6
A report in Spanish tabloid Marcain August really set alarm bells ringing, as it suggested Madrid were already preparing to let Jovic leave the club on loan in January.
It seemed harsh, and it was probably a bit premature. It has definitely not been an ideal start, but there is no need for alarm.
"Madrid are not actively looking to move him on," an insider explained. "If a suitable club comes in with a loan offer that suits all parties, then maybe something will become possible in January, but we are not at the stage where Madrid or the player actually want that to happen."
B/R understands Manchester United and Bayern Munich are two of the clubs who will be kept up-to-date on his status and the potential of a loan, but the player has time to prove himself. Madrid never expected Jovic to arrive as the complete package.
They actually saw his transfer as a pretty low-risk deal. In the club's terms, €65 million is not a lot of money. The player is young and obviously talented, yet he did not come in with huge expectations attached—unlike Eden Hazard, who was expected to be a superstar right away.
Jovic is working on his Spanish, which is improving steadily, and he was not fully fit at the beginning of the season. He knows the next two months will be key in determining how his time in Madrid plays out.
Sources in Madrid are convinced that the club will make a big push to sign Kylian Mbappe in the summer, and that only increases Jovic's need to start scoring soon.
But there is an acceptance from some Madrid experts who cover the team regularly that Zinedine Zidane needs to work on finding him a better-suited role than the ones he has tried so far.
Confidence has become a slight problem for Jovic at the moment—largely down to the fact that he has only been given short stints to impress or has been wedged into the front line as support for Karim Benzema, rather than as the main striker.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keEZuLThgVU
He hasn't had much luck, either. When he scored against Osasuna—the only time he played a full 90 minutes—it was ruled out by the video assistant referee, judged offside by the tightest of margins.
In Serbia, Jovic is highly respected, although he's not yet close to the hero status of sports personalities like tennis star Novak Djokovic or basketball player Nikola Jokic.
Serbian football expert Ivan Igov gave B/R his view of the landscape.
"I don't think the situation at Real is ideal for him, at least as of now, for a variety of reasons," he explained. "I thought Benzema would be the undisputed first choice but that Zidane would play them both more frequently than he has—I suppose the injuries at the club haven't helped.
"I don't think there's much cause for concern at the moment. There's bound to be an adaptation and bedding-in period to new surroundings—as you can see with Hazard, even. [Jovic has] got the ability and ceiling to make it at Real. I think opening his goal account as soon as possible is key as it'll release a massive weight off of his shoulders and do wonders for his confidence."
Milos Dusanovic runs the Serbian Football Twitter page and is also confident Jovic will turn this situation around.
He said: "It's a new league and he's a young player, it will take him time to adapt to a new system, style of play, language. It also doesn't help that Madrid isn't playing that well to start the season, so that makes it even harder for him to get comfortable. Also, the pressure of the price tag could be a factor.
"I think he works best playing alongside or just behind a classic No. 9. He was excellent playing with Haller at Eintracht and has done good things alongside [Aleksandar] Mitrovic in the national team as well. His speed and movement is a great complement to someone with strength and power—although he does have those traits as well.
"I think he will give it a full season before making a change. He's a patient, hardworking guy."
Jovic expects to be given chances in the coming weeks, with sources suggesting at least one start will come against either Leganes on Wednesday or, perhaps more likely, against Real Betis at the weekend.
Jovic needs that one opportunity to prove himself. He needs that goal that elevates his standing—maybe he needs a moment like Christian Pulisic had for Chelsea against Burnley, when he scored a hat-trick that helped emphasise his talent and convince some doubters that he can make the grade at one of Europe's elite clubs.
He's got all the tools, now he just needs to show he can do the job.
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Rodrygo Goes Plays Down Talk of Vinicius Jr. Rivalry: 'He Has Helped Me a Lot'
Oct 30, 2019
ISTANBUL, TURKEY - OCTOBER 22: Rodrygo of Real Madrid gestures during the UEFA Champions League group A match between Galatasaray and Real Madrid at Turk Telekom Arena on October 22, 2019 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)
Real Madrid youngster Rodrygo Goes has said there's no rivalry between himself and compatriot Vinicius Jr. at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Brazilian wingers arrived at Los Blancos in big-money transfers the last two summers, respectively, with each player tipped to have a bright future in the game.
With the likes of Eden Hazard, Gareth Bale and Lucas Vazquez available to manager Zinedine Zidane, getting regular minutes in the first team will be challenging for both players this term.
Rodrygo has said Vinicius has been a big help for him since arriving in the Spanish capital in the summer, per Intensive Esporte (h/t Virtudes Sanchez of Marca).
"Vinicius and I support each other, we're friends and team-mates and will continue to be," said the 18-year-old. "He has helped me a lot because he arrived a year before me in Madrid. There are also comparisons between players from Brazil, but we never do that ourselves; we will continue to support one another."
Rodrygo made his first start for the club in the UEFA Champions League win over Galatasaray and didn't look out of place in a high-pressure environment. The Football Talent Scout provided the numbers behind his first outing:
Rodrygo vs Galatasaray
82 minutes 31 passes 74% pass accuracy 3 shots 2 key passes 3 dribbles won 2 tackles won 2 interceptions
18 years of age. His first start for Real Madrid & Champions League debut. One of the best players on the pitch. 💎 pic.twitter.com/ZsZ3EitSdB
— Football Talent Scout - Jacek Kulig (@FTalentScout) October 22, 2019
In La Liga, he's already been able to show what he's capable of, scoring this fine goal on his debut for Madrid:
😎 Just on the pitch a few seconds and what a cool finish this is from 18-year-old Rodrygo to make it 2-0!
As relayed by The Spanish Football Podcast, the indications are that Rodrygo will be back in the XI on Wednesday, when Los Blancos host Leganes at the Santiago Bernabeu:
In Madrid...
🗞️ Both Marca and AS expect Rodrygo to start for Real Madrid at the Bernabeu v Leganés in the absence of Bale and Vinicius pic.twitter.com/uUPcG64y63
While he's been involved in the senior setup frequently of late, the Brazilian also said he'd be happy to drop back into the Real Madrid Castilla team if that's what Zidane thought was best for him.
"I'm a club worker; if they need me in the first team then I'll be there," he said. "... I am fulfilling a dream being here, and if it's necessary, despite me having scored and also debuted in the Champions League, I will return to Castilla with no problems."
Having Vinicius around the squad will be a help for Rodrygo, and it will be intriguing to track the development of the pair in the coming years.
Per Kiyan Sobhani of Managing Madrid, in addition to their ability, both Brazilians have shown a willingness to work hard off the ball:
Went back through that Galatasary game for today's column. Rodrygo was really good off the ball. Brings us full circle to something we overemphasize "Vazquez plays because he works hard"
You know who else works hard defensively? Almost everybody, including Rodrygo and Vinicius
If they can mesh their natural flair with defensive diligence, Zidane will have both involved in the squad frequently. Already, both players have shown they're capable of influencing games in La Liga and have seemingly earned the manager's trust.
Rodrygo appears set for another chance on Wednesday, and the speed at which he's established himself as part of the first-team squad is impressive for a player so young. It appears Vinicius should take some of the credit for the way in which he's acclimatised.
Gareth Bale 'Ecstatic' to Be at Real Madrid, Says Agent Jonathan Barnett
Oct 30, 2019
MADRID, SPAIN - OCTOBER 05: Gareth Bale of Real Madrid runs with the ball during the Liga match between Real Madrid CF and Granada CF at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 05, 2019 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
Gareth Bale's agent, Jonathan Barnett, has quashed rumours about the Welshman's potential exit from Real Madrid, saying he is "ecstatic to play for" Los Blancos.
Bale was in London on Monday to meet with Barnett, and Rodrigo Faez of ESPN FC reported the winger wants to leave the Santiago Bernabeu "at the earliest possible opportunity," partly due to an "embittered relationship" with manager Zinedine Zidane.
The Frenchman responded by saying he has a "good relationship" with the former Tottenham Hotspur man, per Marca.
Barnett has now made it clear Bale is happy in Madrid, while also throwing cold water on a rumoured move to China, per Deportes Cuatro (h/t AS): "Gareth is ecstatic to play for Madrid. China? Don't believe everything you read."
Bale's exit seemed inevitable during the summer after a frustrating 2018-19 season, and Zidane even said the club were looking to move him on:
Eventually, though, a move to Chinese Super League side Jiangsu Suning was subsequentlyblockedby the Real board because they wanted a transfer fee for the 30-year-old.
Zidane has reintegrated Bale back into the first team in 2019-20, and he has been largely impressive, starting six of Real's nine La Liga games, netting two goals and providing two assists:
He will not be available for Wednesday's home clash with Leganes, though, as he is still recovering from an injury sustained while on international duty that has already seen him sidelined for games against Mallorca andGalatasaray.
Bale's consistent injury problems are an ongoing frustration for him and Real, as he can never be relied upon to be available for the biggest games.
But following Cristiano Ronaldo's departure to Juventus in 2018, the Wales international is now arguably Real's biggest attacking threat in Zidane's best starting XI.
Barnett's latest comments should come as good news for the Madrid giants, given Bale could be a huge asset for Real as they bid to win major silverware in 2019-20.
Eden Hazard Says He Decided on Real Madrid Move After 2018 World Cup
Oct 29, 2019
ISTANBUL, TURKEY - OCTOBER 22: Eden Hazard of Real Madrid controls the ball during the UEFA Champions League group A match between Galatasaray and Real Madrid at Turk Telekom Arena on October 22, 2019 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)
Hazard, 28, ended up staying at Stamford Bridge for another season before moving to the Santiago Bernabeu for an initial €100 million (£89 million) in June.
He has confirmed to Real Madrid TV he wanted to leave in 2018, particularly after talking with some Real players (h/t Goal's Robin Bairner):
"I'd already made my mind up after the World Cup and I said to myself: 'I have to join Real Madrid now.' That wasn't possible and I spent another year at Chelsea and that made my departure easier. The club understood it and allowed me to leave.
"My dream was always to play for Real Madrid, the greatest team in the world, and so far I'm happy. [Thibaut] Courtois always told me that this was the best club. I also spoke to [Luka] Modric and got the impression that they all wanted to see me at Real Madrid and it finally happened."
Hazard enjoyed the best individual campaign of his career in his last season with Chelsea, helping the Blues finish third in the Premier League and win the UEFA Europa League:
Eden Hazard for Chelsea in the 2018/2019 Premier League:
most successful take-ons (137) most chances created (98) most shots taken (93) most assists (16) most goals (15)
He has made an underwhelming start to life in Madrid, though, taking six appearances to open his goalscoring account after a hamstring injury delayed his competitive debut:
Real signed the former Lille winger in an attempt to replace Cristiano Ronaldo after his exit to Juventus in July 2018 prompted a significant downturn in output in front of goal.
The Portuguese netted 450 goals in his nine seasons at the club, and Real averaged over 2.8 goals per La Liga game in that period.
Without Ronaldo last season, Los Blancos scored 63 goals in La Liga, an average of fewer than 1.7 per game, their worst return since 1999-00.
If Hazard is to at all make up for Ronaldo's exit and help Real win La Liga, he will need to get back to his 2018-19 form fast.
Zinedine Zidane Says Gareth Bale '100 Percent Committed' to Real Madrid
Rodrigo Faez of ESPN FC recently reported Bale wants out of the Santiago Bernabeu "at the earliest possible opportunity," in no small part due to his "embittered relationship" with Zidane.
Speaking ahead of Real's La Liga meeting with Leganes on Wednesday, after Bale was seen in London, Zidane attempted to diffuse the situation, per Marca:
"We have a good relationship, I've not spoken to him about leaving and he never talks about it either. He had permission from the club to travel, he is away because he's injured. He can't play, and when he is available to play, he does, and he has played many games. He tries hard and trains well, but the mess here is created by a lot of talk, but the player is 100 percent committed."
Back in the summer, Zidane was explicit about his desire to see Bale, 30, move on from Los Blancos despite his remarkable record:
However, the Welshman's mooted move to Chinese Super League side Jiangsu Suning was subsequently blocked by the Real board.
After staying put in Madrid, Bale has started six of Real's nine La Liga games in 2019-20, netting two goals and providing two assists.
Fitness issues have remained a problem, though, and Bale has not turned out for Real since picking up an injury playing with Wales during the October international break, missing games against Mallorca and Galatasaray.
Saturday's El Clasico against Barcelona was postponed due to protests in the Catalan city:
OFFICIAL: Next week's Barcelona vs. Real Madrid Clasico has been postponed—the clubs have until 21 October to agree a new date pic.twitter.com/hGpbMLJYGl
