5 bold predictions for Real Madrid vs. Chelsea in the Champions League quarterfinal

2. Gareth Bale to score

Well, if recent events are evidence then this surely qualifies as a bold possibly even an outrageous prediction. Gareth Bale has barely played this season for Real Madrid. Although Carlo Ancelotti started him in the right-wing spot at the start of the season, Bale vanished into oblivion soon after. He later appeared into the mix when Carlo tried him out as the no.9 against Villareal away from home. Since then has been shunned to the bench.

Ironically Bale has not missed any matches for Wales in the meantime. This has been a recurrent theme in the past few seasons for Bale. Despite being declared unfit to play for Real Madrid, he miraculously turns up for Wales. The most recent occurrence was before the world cup qualification match against Austria where he scored an incredible brace. He missed the Clasico the previous week citing discomfort. The fact that Real Madrid was thrashed 4-0 heightened the criticism surrounding Bale as the Spanish Media tore into him.

Gareth Bale has a proven Champions League pedigree. His two goals against Austria were no fluke. They were a testimony to his class and will. If he puts his mind to it, a player of his caliber can overcome little physical issues to contribute. I will go for a bold prediction of him scoring a goal in either of the two legs. It is unrealistic to expect that Carlo will start him. However, he could come off the bench in the dying moments of the game to pull off a goal. If Real Madrid does find itself in troubled waters, Bale could prove to be an asset. Let us see if there is a last hurrah left in one of Real Madrid’s greatest matchwinners.