Real Madrid’s Welsh striker Gareth Bale celebrates after scoring during the Spanish league football match Villarreal CF vs Real Madrid CF at El Madrigal stadium in Villareal on September 14, 2013. –AFP photo
Gareth Bale has been dropped to the bench by Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti for his side’s Champions League Group B opener away to Galatasaray.
The Welshman, who joined Madrid for more than 90 million euros ($120 million, £75 million) earlier this month, started and scored on his debut for the club against Villarreal on Saturday.
However, Ancelotti hinted in his pre-match press conference that Bale could drop onto the bench having hardly featured in pre-season for Tottenham Hotspur whilst negotiations over his transfer dragged on.
Bale is replaced by Angel di Maria on the right side of the Madrid attack, whilst Alvaro Arbeloa, Sami Khedira and Iker Casillas also come into the team that started at the weekend.
Casillas will captain the side as he makes his first appearance in a competitive game for Madrid since January 23. –AFP