A fit again gareth Bale with a point to prove could be just what Real Madrid need to get an edge over rival Barcelona in this Saturday’s El Clasico clash. The Welshman has had well documented injury problems this term and hasn’t started a match for Los Blancos since September. However, he has completed his rehabilitation and has shown signs of returning to match fitness in recent weeks.
Bale began his comeback by helping to spare Real’s blushes in the Copa del Rey. He came off the bench to set up Borja Mayoral’s equaliser against Fuenlabrada and then provided an assist for the winner. He didn’t feature again until scoring the winning goal against Al Jazira with his first touch, after coming on as a substitute in the Club World Cup semi-final. He also had a cameo in the final and came close to scoring but for a brilliant save by Gremio stopper Marcelo Grohe.
Head coach Zinedine Zidane must surely have been impressed by Bale’s performances and attitude in those brief run outs. As things stand, it seems to be a straight shoot-out between Bale and Isco for a starting berth against Barcelona, giving Zidane plenty to think about. Even if Bale does not make the starting eleven, it appears that he is eager to prove his worth and he could be the ultimate impact sub, if El Clasico remains in the balance heading into the final half-hour or so.
Gareth Bale has only scored one goal against Barcelona but it is one which will live long in the memory. The 2014 Copa del Rey was tied at 1-1 with only minutes remaining when Bale broke free and showed devastating pace and strength to power around Bartra and into the box to slot home the winner. You can relive that iconic moment with the video below.
