Three takeaways as Real Madrid score four past Osasuna

Bouncing back from the midweek Copa Del Rey elimination, Real Madrid traveled to the tricky El-Sadar to face Osasuna. Despite a shaky start, Zinedine Zidane’s men kicked into gear as they scored four goals to take the three points. Here are our takeaways.

Bale needs to pick-up or be dropped:

Given his price-tag and status, Gareth Bale can often be expected to be in and around the starting eleven. Whilst the Welshman has contributed to some incredible moments during his time in the Spanish capital, it is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore his inconsistent displays.

Returning to the side in the game against Osasuna, near enough all of his early involvements were frustrating for Los Blancos fans. Misplaced passes and just a general lack of effort saw him seem a periphery figure quite quickly.  Offensively, Bale was presented with two particularly good chances – he was sent through by Isco early on but failed to make anything of it and then missed a golden header.

The Welshman certainly has the quality to contribute but the lack of consistency is frustrating. Given that there are other names in the side, who have also recently contributed sufficiently – Bale’s place in the starting eleven should not be a guarantee, but something he should earn back with performances adequate of a player of his status.