The Real Champs
Fansided

Three takeaways from Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey round of 32 victory

By Ben Sundock

Real Madrid's Spanish midfielder Brahim Diaz (L) celebrates his goal during the Copa del Rey (King's Cup) football match between Unionistas de Salamanca CF and Real Madrid CF at Las Pistas del Helmantico stadium in Salamanca, on January 22, 2020. (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO / AFP) (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO/AFP via Getty Images)
Real Madrid's Spanish midfielder Brahim Diaz (L) celebrates his goal during the Copa del Rey (King's Cup) football match between Unionistas de Salamanca CF and Real Madrid CF at Las Pistas del Helmantico stadium in Salamanca, on January 22, 2020. (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO / AFP) (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO/AFP via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
SALAMANCA, SPAIN – JANUARY 22: Gareth Bale of Real Madrid CF scores first goal of the team during the Copa del Rey round of 32 match between Unionistas CF and Real Madrid CF at stadium of Las Pistas on January 22, 2020 in Salamanca, Spain. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
SALAMANCA, SPAIN – JANUARY 22: Gareth Bale of Real Madrid CF scores first goal of the team during the Copa del Rey round of 32 match between Unionistas CF and Real Madrid CF at stadium of Las Pistas on January 22, 2020 in Salamanca, Spain. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images) /

Gareth Bale is made of glass

There’s some good and some bad to talk about after Gareth Bale’s appearance in the Copa round of 32. Getting the start on the right wing, the Welsh forward looked lethargic to begin the match, but that seemed to be the case with the entire Real Madrid lineup.

Bale had a rather easy time moving down the flank and was in the right place at the right time to open the scoring in the 17th minute.

More from The Real Champs

The good news was that Gareth was able to shake off a four month goal drought for Los Blancos; it was the first time he had scored since he bagged a brace in a 2-2 draw with Villarreal way back on September 1.

It was also the first goal in all competition for Bale since October 13 when he tallied for Wales in Euro qualifying against Croatia. But, there were two overarching problems that I noticed with the number 11 in this match.

First, after scoring that goal to put his team ahead and end the long drought, Gareth Bale did not celebrate or even crack a smile after beating the keeper. Despite hugs from teammates and celebrations on the sideline, the forward seemed unconcerned with the tally.

Does this confirm that Bale wants out of Madrid and is in talks with Tottenham Hotspur? While it may be circumstantial evidence right now, I think this reaction is reason enough to believe the rumors.

The second problem that I noticed was his limping in the first 10 minutes. Bale has had more leg injuries than any player I have ever seen and this drew concern from Zidane. Brahim began to warm up after Bale picked up the knock, but he remained on the pitch until the 52nd minute.

As pessimistic as this might sound, I expect to see a medical report on Gareth tomorrow morning. The man seems to be made of glass!

Home/Analysis