Clasico concern for Bale as Zidane confirms injury worry

Joe Wright

Clasico concern for Bale as Zidane confirms injury worry image

Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has confirmed that Gareth Bale was withdrawn from the 2-1 win at Bayern Munich due to an injury concern.

The Wales international was taken off in the 59th minute of the holders' Champions League quarter-final first-leg victory at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday.

Zidane later revealed that Bale, who only returned from a long-term ankle injury in February, was not feeling in good shape at half-time and was replaced by Marco Asensio as a precaution.

Ronaldo rises as Madrid marches on

"Gareth Bale felt a tweak at half-time and I didn't want to take any risks," Zidane said. "He doesn't feel so good, we hope it's nothing major. But I'm happy with the substitution and with Marco Asensio's performance."

Bale reportedly told the media that he was "not too bad" as he made his way out of the stadium following the match.

The 27-year-old is likely to face further tests back in the Spanish capital ahead of a crucial run of games, with Madrid facing Sporting Gijon on Saturday before the home leg against Bayern and the Clasico against Barcelona to come next week.

Asensio produced a telling contribution in Bale's stead, setting up Cristiano Ronaldo for his second goal that secured the victory.

Joe Wright

Joe Wright Photo

Joe is a Senior Editor at Sporting News. He was previously a sub editor and writer for Goal.com before spending six years as part of the Stats Perform editorial news service, covering major global sports including football, tennis, boxing, NBA, rugby union and athletics. Joe has reported live on some of the biggest games in football, including two UEFA Champions League finals, Euro 2016, the Confederations Cup 2017 and the 2018 World Cup final at the end of a month in Russia.