Same old Bale: average performance and muscular fatigue

If Madrid is back, Bale is back. Even before the break, the Welshman was in the spotlight for not being one of Zidane's favourites and the return from the competition was his chance to grow, but so far he has not managed to do so.

While it is true that the whole team was in a position to improve in the second half, he was one of those called upon to revolutionise the game and he did not do so. He entered in the 61st minute, only two passes in the opposite field - seven successful ones of eleven in total - and did not even shoot on goal.

What may have affected him more negatively is that he proved Zidane right by lining up Rodrygo in his place, as he was no better than the Brazilian. What might benefit him is that, at the end of the day, in this Express League, the accumulated tiredness will force him to rotate and he will have more opportunities.

And who knows if he will jump to the green again in the next white match, as he missed the post-match training due to muscle overload, as reported by 'AS'. It is not known, at the moment, if he will be available for the next match.

He's got ten days left to turn the tables. His record this season so far does not help to believe the best predictions: he has only scored three goals and three assists in 19 matches, of which he has started in 13.

That's half the goal average of last season, when he scored 14 goals and six assists in 42 games. To get back into the limelight - something Jorde Valdano hopes for - he will have to surpass himself as soon as possible.