Real Madrid star Gareth Bale hasn’t played in the last two league games, but could he get back in the action on Sunday night at Real Betis?
As a whole, it has been a profoundly disappointing 2019-2020 season for Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale. Whereas fellow veteran players Dani Carvajal, Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, and Isco have enjoyed tremendous bounce-back seasons under a full year with Zinedine Zidane at the helm, the Welsh forward has been arguably the team’s least effective player.
Bale has been hurt by injuries, but after a decent start to the season form-wise, he has consistently failed to make an impact. Zidane continues to publicly back his player despite some unnecessary drama from the press and fans in the middle of the campaign, and while he gives Bale his chances to prove himself, the forward doesn’t capitalize on them.
After suiting up for 84 minutes in a 2-2 draw with Celta Vigo on Feb. 17 and getting a 16-minute substitute cameo against Manchester City in a Champions League defeat, Bale did not play in El Clasico.
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The Wales international started the first Clasico, but his absence in the second Clasico proved to be a positive for Los Blancos, who won 2-0.
Even against City, there was a clear drop-off between him and Vinicius Junior upon his introduction to the match, though that should have been expected on the left wing – and given both players’ current form.
Bale’s impact on Real Madrid over the past several years is undeniable, and he has still shown his quality at times this season.
Look no further than his crucial brace against Villarreal early in the campaign or his outside-the-boot pass against Granada in October. There have been moments of genius. But lately, they have been few and far between.
This Sunday, Real Madrid will travel to Sevilla to face struggling side Real Betis at their house, the Benito Villamarin. While Betis reside in the bottom half of La Liga’s table, with players like Nabil Fekir and Joaquín, they have the quality to get a big home win and hurt Real in their title race.
Bale has been named in the 19-man squad, but we’ll have to see if he draws the start. Real are already in a precarious position with both Isco and Dani Carvajal ruled out, meaning the right wing spot has suddenly become more interesting. Will Lucas Vazquez play? Or could Bale get one more shot to show his skills in the starting lineup?
In an ideal world, Bale would show his quality, step up, and get back on track. But after so many chances gone squandered, it’s fair to wonder if Zidane is frustrated and will go with a more reliable player in Vazquez. However, Bale’s technical quality could provide the spark Real may need at Betis. All eyes will be on his status in the lineup tomorrow evening.