Real Madrid

Zinedine Zidane hit out at those trying to manufacture tension between him and Gareth Bale after the Welshman's return to the Real Madrid side in Sunday's 4-1 La Liga win over Osasuna.

Bale made his first appearance since January 4, playing 71 minutes on the right flank before being replaced by Lucas Vazquez.

The 30-year-old's relationship with Zidane has long appeared strained, and back in the summer, the Real manager said he hoped Bale would leave the club:

Zinedine Zidane confirms Real Madrid are looking to sell Gareth Bale. pic.twitter.com/ZnTR3Q3RTm

— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 21, 2019

But he again made it clear after Sunday's victory that he has no problem with the former Tottenham Hotspur star, per AS (h/t Feargal Brennan of Football Espana):

"The problem here is that there are some people that want me to have a problem with Gareth. That is simply not the case, and it never has been. He has not played in the last three games, but he performed well for 70 minutes today. We have many players here and it is not easy to balance that. Gareth is an important player here and he will continue to play this season."

Bale has endured another injury-hit season in 2019-20. He has made 13 La Liga appearances, scoring two goals and providing two assists. 

A combination of a chest infection and an ankle injury kept him out of action for most of January, but Zidane will likely be hopeful he can now have an extended run in the side.

The success of Real's season could hinge on their performances in the next month.

Their run of five successive league wins has seen them open up a six-point lead over Barcelona at the top of the table, although Barca can cut the gap back to three if they beat Real Betis on Sunday.

Next up in the Spanish top flight for Real are fixtures against Celta Vigo and Levante before the second Clasico of the season against Barca.

If Los Blancos win all three of those matches, they will be in a brilliant position to win a first league title since 2016-17.

Real also host Manchester City in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League last 16 tie February 26.

In Zidane's first spell in charge of Real, he won Europe's major club competition three seasons in a row. 

The 2018 final against Liverpool was one of Bale's defining moments as a Real player. He came off the bench to score twice—one a spectacular bicycle kick—and secure Los Blancos a 3-1 victory.

Real will have a better chance of getting past City and potentially winning another Champions League if Bale is fit and in form. 

Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro has praised the team's battling qualities after they recovered from a goal down to beat Osasuna 4-1 in La Liga on Sunday.

Zinedine Zidane's side appeared to be in danger of slipping up when Unai Garcia fired the home team in front in the 14th minute. However, two goals in five minutes from Isco and Sergio Ramos put the Madrid outfit ahead at the interval, before late strikes from Lucas Vazquez and Luka Jovic wrapped the game up.

Afterwards, Casemiro said the manner in which the team were able to reset after their early setback was pleasing, per Marca (h/t Football Espana).

"This was a typical game against Osasuna, and we know how difficult it is to play here," said the Brazil international. "We knew it would be difficult, but we stayed calm and it has been a great performance. ...We have battled today, and we have shown that we will fight for everything. There are still many games to go in the season, but we keep fighting."

Here is the final goal from what was eventually a comfortable victory at El Sadar:

⚪ An emphatic stoppage time finish from Luka Jović sealed a 4-1 win for Real Madrid!

👏 Zidane's side navigated a tough away trip to Osasuna and will remain on top of LaLiga after an entertaining game pic.twitter.com/eoxJYC3GTz

— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) February 9, 2020

Broadcaster Alex Goldberg singled out Casemiro, who set up Ramos' go-ahead goal, for special praise after the contest:

I don’t talk about Casemiro enough. What a player. So important to Real Madrid. In terms of doing your job & doing what the manager asks of you, not many do it better than this man. pic.twitter.com/NHJ2GeUg5k

— Goals Side (@goalsside) February 9, 2020

Victory was a crucial one for Real Madrid's La Liga title hopes. The win put them six points ahead of Barcelona, although the Catalan giants can cut the gap back down to three if they win at Real Betis on Sunday.

After their shock loss to Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey on Thursday, Zidane would have been fearful when his team were slow out of the blocks.

However they showcased their quality throughout the rest of the game, with the assurance and ruthlessness that's been their trademark this season too much for Osasuna to handle.

While they did concede a soft goal on Sunday, OptaJoe noted how strong the team has been defensively too:

14 - @realmadriden have conceded just 14 goals in their 23 LaLiga games this season, fewer at this stage of a campaign in their history. Solid. pic.twitter.com/blPnZm3nfQ

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) February 9, 2020

La Liga writer Brendan Boyle picked out Madrid's physicality as one of the key factors in their title push:

That’s why they’re top of the league: Madrid’s physical power showing now.

Casemiro towering header nodded home by Don Sergio Ramos and it’s now Madrid 2-1.

Impressive turnaround. pic.twitter.com/3ikC4RUAq0

— Brendan Boyle (@BrendyBoyle) February 9, 2020

Madrid are beginning to settle into an ominous groove in La Liga, making them big favourites for the Spanish top-flight title. Although Barcelona will be tough to shake off in the coming months, at the moment Zidane's side look a lot more dependable than their big rivals.

Casemiro continues to be a crucial part of their high-class midfield. The Brazilian provides a huge defensive presence, but is also adept at making an impression in the opposition penalty area, with Zidane giving him more license to push forward in recent weeks.

Real Madrid continued their dominance in La Liga with a 4-1 victory at Osasuna on Sunday. 

Zinedine Zidane's men were forced to stage a comeback after Unai Garcia's opener after 14 minutes, with two quick-fire efforts handing Madrid control.

Isco's 33rd-minute volley levelled the game and Sergio Ramos made it 2-1 to the visitors five minutes later.

Lucas Vazquez wrapped up the points after linking with Karim Benzema with six minutes remaining, and Luka Jovic made it four in the second minute of stoppage time.

Six points clear 💪 pic.twitter.com/1hNKzprVBN

— B/R Football (@brfootball) February 9, 2020

Los Blancos made sure they remain 13 games unbeaten in La Liga after Thursday's shock Copa del Rey exit against Real Sociedad.

However, the leaders got off to the worst possible start after falling behind to Garcia's header from an early corner.

Real looked vulnerable in the opening phases of play and Ruben Garcia's set-piece delivery helped the hosts break the deadlock.

The goal woke up Zidane's title challengers. The Frenchman will have been pleased with his team's response after their cup disappointment, and they made sure a repeat didn't materialise.

A five-minute spell saw Madrid overcome their anxieties, and Isco found the bottom corner as the Osasuna defence claimed for offside. However, the midfielder's excellent finish stood.

Real pushed forward for a second goal, and the home side quickly collapsed when Ramos nodded home.

Sergio Ramos has now scored in 17 La Liga consecutive calendar years 📅 pic.twitter.com/2g0jv6O71L

— B/R Football (@brfootball) February 9, 2020

This time it was Madrid who benefitted from a set piece. Casemiro's header from the dead ball was met by the captain at the far post for an easy finish.

The Pamplona club appeared hungry for an equaliser in the second half, but Madrid showed why they have been so difficult to beat in La Liga this term.

Benzema was the architect of the third goal, and the forward outfoxed the opposition on the edge of the box to set up Vazquez for a drilled strike.

The goal put to bed any hopes Jagoba Arrasate's side held, but Madrid further improved their goal count before the final whistle.

Jovic had arrived as a substitute for Benzema with two minutes remaining, and the Serb scored the goal of the game with a lethal volley.

Last season, Madrid might have lost this type of encounter, but they are a well-oiled machine under Zidane during the current campaign and a totally different prospect.

                           

What's Next?

Both clubs are back in La Liga action next Sunday. Madrid are set to host Celta Vigo, while Osasuna travel to Athletic Bilbao.

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has revealed his unhappiness at the blame attacked to Marcelo for Real Madrid's 4-3 defeat to Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey on Thursday.

Zidane told reporters Marcelo deserves more respect from Real supporters: "It's upsetting because he gives his all when he plays—not just Marcelo, all the players do—but this isn't going to change. I can say it's upsetting, it's not good because they go out there and play to their maximum."

Although he knows players at a club the stature of Real has to expect an intense backlash in the wake of defeats, Zidane believes 31-year-old Marcelo still has value:

"I think Marcelo gave his all the other day. The knives come out when you lose. When we lose, everything gets analysed. The important thing is my players give 100 per cent and he did, I think. He's been an important player for many years and I'm sure he's going to continue to be important until the end of the season."

Zidane's confidence aside, Marcelo was caught out of position more than once by Sociedad. An attack led by Real Madrid loanee Martin Odegaard, striker Alexander Isak and winger Portu frequently found joy on the left side of Real's defence.

Marcelo's struggles left many, including Goal's Rik Sharma, to conclude Marcelo is finished at this level. Ironically, the four-time UEFA Champions League winner did get Los Merengues back into the game when his low shot squirmed in just before the hour mark at the Santiago Bernabeu to reduce the deficit to 3-1.

Marcelo's finish also offered a reminder of what he brings to the team. He's scored once and provided four assists in all competitions despite making a mere 12 starts, including seven in La Liga, with Zidane usually preferring summer signing Ferland Mendy at left-back.

Former Lyon star Mendy has added greater athleticism, aggression and recovery pace at the back. His performances have been key to a Real defence solid enough to have conceded just 13 goals in 22 games in the league.

The defensive side of Marcelo's game has never been strong, but few players can match his decorated track record of winning at the highest level. With Real top of La Liga and still in the UEFA Champions League, Zidane is wise to remind fans of the key role Marcelo can play during the remainder of the season.

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has dismissed suggestions he has an issue with the club's out-of-favour forward Gareth Bale.

The Wales international has had another campaign disrupted by injury, and since the turn of the year, he's struggled to force his way into contention in the Spanish capital.

Speaking ahead of the team's clash with Osasuna in La Liga on Sunday, Zidane was asked if he's content with Bale's training and denied there's a problem with the 30-year-old despite his recent absences from match squads, per John Skilbeck of Goal:

"Yes, and I'm happy with all the players I have here. I know the answer you're looking for, but I have 25 players at my disposal and I have to pick a team. There's no issues or underlying problems and I'm sure he's going to keep working as he has been and he's going to be a part of this team.

"The most important thing is he wants to be here, wants to work hard, wants to train. There are times when he's not named in the matchday squad, but I wouldn't read between the lines. I understand everyone has a point of view, but he's going to be a player I'll lean on from now until the end."

As Skilbeck relayed, reports emerged that Bale had left the team's clash with Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey early on Thursday. The team suffered a surprise 4-3 loss to the Basque outfit.

Bale was frequently linked with a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer and appeared set to join Jiangsu Suning before a switch collapsed. Talk about his future has continued to surface throughout the 2019-20 season, although a transfer never materialised in the January window.

Despite the constant rumours regarding the forward, Bale's agent Jonathan Barnett has confirmed to TV channel Cuatro (h/t Goal's Chris Burton) the player is in no rush to depart Los Blancos, and Barnett expects his client to remain at the club for "at least two more years."

While he is down the pecking order at Madrid, the former Tottenham Hotspur man still has two years left on his contract with the club.

After a disruptive summer, Bale produced some smart cameos for Madrid at the start of the campaign, but he's struggled with form and fitness since. He was last in top-flight action on January 4, when Madrid were 3-0 winners at Getafe.

Zidane has a number of exciting young wingers in attack, with Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo both showing glimpses of star quality this term. At this point, he appears more content to invest time in Madrid's future than someone like Bale, who may soon be part of Madrid's past despite Zidane's latest comments.  

Real Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay has shot down reports Martin Odegaard could cut his loan deal short and return to parent club Real Madrid in the summer.

Aperribay spoke to Cadena Ser (h/t AS' Ruby Ares) a day after his team's shocking 4-3 win over Real Madrid at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu in the Copa del Rey: "Odegaard is very happy after yesterday's game against Madrid. We're going to focus on the here and now for the moment; his future is an issue for another day. [But] there's zero chance of him going to Real Madrid [at the end of the season]."

Before the match, he had opened the door to a possible early return: "I'm confident the agreement we have is going to be fulfilled. The player belongs to Real Madrid and if they asked to talk, we'd all have to sit down and listen to what each side has to say. But we expect Odegaard to be with us for two years."

Odegaard joined La Real on a two-year loan deal in the summer and expects to stay in the Basque Country until 2021:

Odegaard: "The plan is to stay in Real Sociedad next season, nothing has changed" https://t.co/WRXVNvrani pic.twitter.com/KArkvZFlRl

— Managing Madrid (@managingmadrid) February 4, 2020

Marca's Carlos Carpio reported Los Blancos want to bring the Norwegian back to the capital in the summer. Per that report, his loan deal is for one season with an option to extend for an additional year, and the choice will come down to the player.

The 21-year-old has been a smash hit in San Sebastian, with four goals and five assists in La Liga this season. He has come a long way since he left Madrid for Heerenveen in his first loan spell in 2017, making good on the vast potential that saw him move to Spain in the first place.

Odegaard played a key role in Thursday's shock result at the Bernabeu, scoring in the Copa del Rey upset:

He has mostly played as a central midfielder and attacking midfielder, positions where Los Blancos could use an injection of youth and quality. Luka Modric, a regular starter in midfield, has slowed down since winning the Ballon d'Or in 2018 and no longer has the look of an elite option at the age of 34.

Odegaard could be a perfect replacement, but Real don't want to rush him. They have been patient with the youngster in several loan spells already, and his development has benefited. His time with the Txuri Urdin has been particularly helpful, and another year in the Basque Country can only further his progression.   

Vinicius Junior has rubbished rumours linking him with a move from Real Madrid to Paris Saint-Germain.

PSG sporting director Leonardo is said to be keen on bringing his fellow Brazilian to the Parc des Princes, per Sport (h/t MailOnline's Will Griffee).  

The 19-year-old only joined Real in 2018. He has been used sparingly by manager Zinedine Zidane in 2019-20, starting only six times in La Liga.

But Vinicius made it clear after Los Blancos' shock loss to Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey on Thursday that he will not be going anywhere, per Sacha Pisani of Goal:

"There's no choice; I want to stay at Madrid."

Vinicius was one of the few bright spots for Real in their disappointing 2018-19 season.

His consistently fine performances earned him a regular place in the starting XI early in 2019 under manager Santiago Solari:

Says a lot that Solari hasn't felt able to rest Vinicius. 18yo with no previous 1st team experience, has played a game every 3.5 days in 2019.

— Tom Allnutt (@TomAllnutt_) March 5, 2019

This season his workload has been lighter, likely in a bid to avoid putting too much strain on a player who is still young.

There is also more competition now in the Real side for Vinicius' preferred role on the left flank with Eden Hazard and Rodrygo in the squad.

Vinicius played the full 90 minutes in Thursday's clash with La Real at the Santiago Bernabeu, where Real lost 4-3 after going 3-0 down inside an hour.

It was their first defeat in any competition since losing to Mallorca in La Liga on October 19 and came the same night Barcelona were knocked out the Copa by Athletic Club Bilbao:

On the same day. pic.twitter.com/ViaGW0zJGt

— B/R Football (@brfootball) February 6, 2020

Your Copa del Rey semi-finalists are:

Granada
Mirandes
Real Sociedad
Athletic Club

Just as we all suspected.

— Sam Tighe (@stighefootball) February 6, 2020

It is hardly a terminal result for Real's season given they are three points clear at the top of the league and into the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League, where they will face Manchester City.

Per Pisani, Vinicius acknowledged it was a "hard" defeat to take, but he promised Real's fans the side "are going to fight until the end of the season in order to win La Liga and Champions League too."

Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos has said he does not plan to play deep into his 30s and will be nearing retirement when his contract expires in 2023. 

The German, who turned 30 in January, signed a four-year deal with Los Blancos last May.

He told Sportschau Club (h/t MailOnline's Jordan Seward):

"I'm definitely not a player who plays until 38.

"I still have a three-and-a-half year contract until the summer 2023. Then I will be 33. That's a good age to start thinking about what I want without having a contract that runs for four years.

"It won't be long then until the end of my career."

Kroos has been a key fixture in Real's midfield since he joined from Bayern Munich in 2014.

Despite still being relatively young, he's not particularly mobile, but his intelligence and passing range helps Real control games from midfield alongside Luka Modric.

Kroos was one of many players who endured a disappointing campaign for Los Blancos last season, but Managing Madrid's Matt Wiltse believes his performances this time around have justified his new contract:

Thinking back on it, what was the first thing Zidane had the club do this past summer? Renew Toni Kroos’ contract.

Many questioned the decisions made in the off season, but Zidane has been vindicated for many of them. The Frenchman always seems to be two steps ahead.

— Matt (@MattW_MM) February 4, 2020

The midfielder has helped Madrid establish a three-point lead atop La Liga after 22 games and win the Spanish Super Cup. They're still in the hunt for the Copa del Rey and the UEFA Champions League, too.

He has also improved on last season's goal and assist numbers. While last term he scored just once and created six goals for his team-mates, in this campaign he has four goals and eight assists to his name already.

Kroos' delivery is superb:

He's got a glove in his right foot... 👌

🧤 @ToniKroos 🧤 pic.twitter.com/uhhSvS7hSN

— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) January 30, 2020

His goal against Valencia in the Super Cup semi-final, in which he scored direct from a quickly taken corner, was a particular highlight:

🎯 He shoots, no one looks, he SCORES!
🤩 @ToniKroos
#RMSuperCopa | #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/q8UgEy020a

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) January 8, 2020

The strike was the icing on the cake of an excellent all-round performance:

Toni Kroos’ game by numbers vs. Valencia:

95% pass accuracy
78 forward passes
3 chances created
2 interceptions
2 tackles won
2 shots
1 goal

A timeless midfield display. 🇩🇪 pic.twitter.com/nOAhAYNx2f

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) January 8, 2020

Real may hope to extend his stay in the Spanish capital further when his deal draws to an end, but even if they do, by that point he probably shouldn't still be a key player given he'll be approaching his 34th birthday.

Modric has remained a regular starter alongside Kroos and Casemiro despite turning 34 in September, but the club haven't made a central midfield signing of note since Dani Ceballos in 2017, and he is spending this season on loan at Arsenal.

Real Madrid's website had more visitors than any other club website in world football in 2019, according to Comscore.

Per RealMadrid.com, Los Blancos' site had an average of 2,006,000 unique users a month during 2019, significantly more than Liverpool's (863,000) in second place.

The third most popular club website was Barcelona's, which had a monthly average of 812,000 visitors, and fourth was Manchester United's with 771,000. 

Juventus, Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City filled out the top 10:

Over the course of the year, the monthly average unique visitors to the Real Madrid website was 2,006,000, eclipsing Liverpool, second in the rankings, with 863,000 unique visitors. Barcelona are in the third place with 812,000 unique visitors. pic.twitter.com/ONCKNlsUtb

— Real Madrid Info ³⁶ (@RMadridInfo) February 5, 2020

It is the fourth year in succession Real have topped the standings and is further evidence of the club's continuing popularity across the globe, even without Cristiano Ronaldo in the side. 

The Portuguese's departure to Juventus in the summer of 2018, which came on the back of Zinedine Zidane's resignation as manager, prompted a drop in form from Real.

They endured a disappointing 2018-19 campaign in which they came a distant third in La Liga and were knocked out of the UEFA Champions League by Ajax in the first knockout round.

Two managers, Julen Lopetegui and Santiago Solari, came and went, prompting the return of Zidane to the dugout last March.

Under the Frenchman, Real have started to look ominously good again in 2019-20.

They are three points clear at the top of La Liga, won the Spanish Super Cup in January and are unbeaten in any competition since October, a run of 21 matches:

📊🔝 @FCBarcelona's win helps them close the gap on leaders @realmadriden!#LaLigaSantander pic.twitter.com/1mjOBpaJqa

— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) February 2, 2020

Barcelona, meanwhile, are floundering after replacing Ernesto Valverde with Quique Setien:

Lionel Messi hits out at Barcelona's Sporting Director and former team-mate Eric Abidal 👀 pic.twitter.com/8FCBU48YE5

— B/R Football (@brfootball) February 4, 2020

This season's La Liga title race could well be decided when Real and Barca meet at the Santiago Bernabeu on March 1.

That match takes place in between Real's two legs against Manchester City in the last 16 of the Champions League, a potentially season-defining run of games for the Madrid giants.   

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has said Eden Hazard needs time to adjust to his new surroundings at Real Madrid. 

In an interview with YouTuber DjMaRiiO (h/t AS), he praised the Belgian but acknowledged he is yet to shine at the Santiago Bernabeu:

"If he's not playing well, something's going on at Madrid because he is really good. Not a top player, another level above. What we saw in England...he is world-class. The whole world knows that you need a period of adaptation."

Hazard has been out of action in Madrid since he suffered a microfracture in his ankle in Real's 2-2 UEFA Champions League draw with Paris Saint-Germain in November.

He could be on the verge of returning, though:

Eden Hazard and Gareth Bale both training with their Real Madrid team mates ahead of the Copa game with Real Sociedad tomorrow. Carvajal, Casemiro, Lucas V too. pic.twitter.com/tLU5cPgmBK

— Alex Kirkland (@alexkirkland) February 5, 2020

Prior to his injury, the winger had made 13 appearances, returning one goal and four assists.

The 29-year-old took time to get up to speed following his move from Chelsea in the summer, not helped by a hamstring injury that disrupted his pre-season and kept him out of the first three matches of the campaign.

His form had been improving significantly prior to his ankle injury in November:

Hazard off with what looks like a sprained ankle. Shame as he's been so much better recently. Bale on. Whistles, not as many as Sat. 1-0, 69.

— Tom Allnutt (@TomAllnutt_) November 26, 2019

Given Real spent an initial €100 million (£89 million) on him in the summer⁠—and will potentially have to pay more than half that again in add-ons⁠—and his arrival is in part to replace Cristiano Ronaldo in their front three, they'll want more decisive contributions from him when he returns.

However, Hazard's impact on the team's attacking play often goes beyond raw numbers:

The fact that he didn't have great non-pen goals and assist numbers will make sure he's always underappreciated, but if you're bringing up G/As with him, you're missing the point. His contribution was far, far greater.

— Ashwin Raman (@AshwinRaman_) February 4, 2020

Despite his struggles and subsequent injury, Real have still enjoyed a strong campaign and find themselves three points ahead of Barcelona in La Liga after 22 games.

They'll face Real Sociedad in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey on Thursday, and in the Champions League they've drawn Guardiola's Manchester City in the last 16.

Hazard will likely need time to get back to where he was prior to his injury after such a lengthy lay-off, but if he can hit top form in the remaining months of the season he can take a team that's already performing well to new heights.