After Villarreal – Real Madrid (0-0): Gareth Bale, the novelty that PSG had not seen coming

It was the chef’s surprise. Gareth Bale in the starting lineup of Real Madrid, this had not happened since August 30, in a victory against Betis (0-1). Since then, the Welsh winger had collected physical glitches, between a knee injury, calf problems and back pain. 167 days later, the former Tottenham player has made a comeback. Carlo Ancelotti even gave him a place in his starting XI. A novelty that did not go unnoticed, three days before the meeting with PSG in the Champions League.

And Bale didn’t come out so badly. However, he lacked rhythm. He also played in a position he is not used to, at the forefront of a Madrid attack deprived of Karim Benzema. But he weighed in on the game. And he could have tipped the scales in favor of Real at Villarreal. Falling on a Geronimo Rulli in a state of grace, he saw the doorman of the yellow submarine deflect one of his attempts on the crossbar. Until his exit in the 74th minute, Bale was involved in most of Real’s dangerous moves.

A strong involvement

Ancelotti was pleased with the performance of the 32-year-old Welshman. The Real coach did not fail to underline the efforts made by his player to return to competition. And an involvement that has regularly failed him in the past. “He had a serious injury in September, when he started playing againrecalled the Italian technician. And after this muscle injury, he struggled to come back, it took him a long time to regain a good physical condition, to avoid problems later. Today he had his chance and he showed that he is still with us, still committed.”

Good news for the White House three days before the duel with PSG at the Parc des Princes, in the knockout stages of the Champions League. The merengue club is quite optimistic about Karim Benzema’s chances of being restored for this meeting. But just in case, Bale is ready. “I don’t know, we’ll have to see how it goes with Benzemareplied Ancelotti about a possible tenure of Bale in Paris. He seized his opportunity, he was dangerous, he could have scored. He does good things” PSG did not really see the Bale option coming. But it now exists. And it should not be overlooked.