Real Madrid: Gareth Bale targets Clásico redemption
Following numerous issues surrounding injuries, team connections and a certain flag situation, the Welshman now has a chance to vindicate himself.
Gareth Bale will have a new opportunity to redeem himself in Wednesday's Clásico at the Camp Nou. Since the end of last season, most signs have been pointing to a sad exit for the Welshman, but in this clash between LaLiga's top two, much can be forgiven.
Bale's Clásico chance
So far, the 30-year old has played five games against Barcelona in their own back yard, and he has had a mixed bag of results. Once he came away with a win, another his side managed a draw, but on three occasions he and his teammates have been beaten.
He has been substituted on three occasions of those five (in the 2015-16 campaign he was removed by Zidane in the 89th minute for Lucas Vázquez in order to use up some time), while he has only scored one goal. It was a powerful sweet left-footed shot from outside the area latching onto the pass first time from Asensio, and a goal that ensured a 2-2 in the 2017/18 campaign.
Interestingly, some would say, the referee for this upcoming match will be Hernández Hernández, the same man who ruled out what most people agree was a legitimate goal from Bale in the 2015/16 season, believing there had been a foul on Jordi Alba. Images showed that the Welshman had jumped cleanly against the Barça defender. Another vivid Camp Nou memory for the winger was his uncharacteristically reckless challenge on Umtiti, during 2017-18, for which he escaped punishment.
Following only 35 minutes against Valencia on Sunday, and the positive words coming out of Zidane's mouth at the pre-Clásico press conference, there is an expectation that Bale will be given a starting berth in this huge game. Following a very disappointing spell for Los Blancos, another of his moments of magic - that can join the rest on his impressive highlights reel - could prove pivitol for his, and his club's future. He has not scored for Madrid for 107 days, since 1 September against Villarreal when his brace clinched a draw, but knows just how important this battle could be for his own redemption.