BALE TO CARRY MADRID IN EUROPE?

Gareth Bale has had some of his best moments in a Real Madrid shirt in Europe. With the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, will the mantle of Champions League exploits fall to the Welshman? As Zinedine Zidane and the player repair their fractured relationship, many would expect Bale to impress in Europe, starting from tonight against Paris St Germain.

Bale recently rescued the team last week against Villarreal, bringing the visitors back into contention each time they fell behind. Despite the red card, he saved the team in the absence of the injured Eden Hazard and Marco Asensio. As the team is rebuilding, and pressure to win still high, Zidane will have to rely on the former Spurs man to continue his continental top performances.

Bale confirmed Real Madrid’s La Decima back in 2014 with his extra time goal, and then his stunning overhead kick to bury Liverpool four years later. Against PSG, Galatasaray and Club Brugge, the forward would be expected to carry Real Madrid even though the Spanish side is expected to finish in the second spot behind the French.

Like Ronaldo, Bale can score for Madrid in crucial moments. He has already racked up 20 goals and 18 assists after in 61 games in the UCL. Hopefully the team can rally together and put up decent performances in Europe this term after it being a stomping ground for years.

The 30-year old is expected to partner KarimBenzema in attack against the equally prepared Neymar-led side when they clash on Tuesday. Against Galatasaray and Club Brugge, Bale should show his quality and earn his shirt.

Madrid will be without Sergio Ramos and Nacho but Carvajal, Militao, Varane and Mendy will be available. The forwards will be Eden Hazard, Benzema, Lucas Vasquez, Jovic, ViniciusJr and Rodrygo – the full list.