Bale the main man up front for Real Madrid
Real Madrid's Welsh striker Gareth Bale has started the season well after a great summer, and he showed against Sporting Lisbon that he's happy to take responsibility.
Bale in fine form for Real Madrid
Gareth Bale continues in fine form. Last season he showed an excellent level of football when his injuries permitted, had an outstanding Euro 2016 and has started the new season like the stand-out student in his year.
Benzema and Ronaldo struggling for top form
With Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo still looking to get on top form, it's Bale's responsibility to drive Real Madrid's attack. Yesterday on a difficult night for Madrid, with the team struggling to create chances through link-up play, Bale's power and pace was the only response Real Madrid had to Sporting Lisbon's order, pressure and team-work.
Bale was Real Madrid's main threat
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Bale started working with with Carvajal and Modric on the right, but there was a slight lack of fluidity, meaning they created few clear chances against a Sporting side that had hardly any cracks in their approach. Bale ended up going after suffering a blow to his hip, but during the time he was on the pitch he was Madrid's main threat. The changes, plus a moment of sublime magic from Cristiano Ronaldo, meant Real Madrid turned things around, and were able to celebrate an important win.
