Time for Bale to restore reputation as stars set to say farewell on La Liga’s final days
>> MADRID: La Liga’s winners and losers are settled and the European qualification spots decided but for a collection of star players the final weekend of the season will be anything but a dead rubber.
Zinedine Zidane would appear to have it clear in his mind what does and does not work in Europe.
Through Real Madrid’s journey to the final, he has put great faith in the likes of Lucas Vazquez and Marco Asensio while Gareth Bale, Isco and even Karim Benzema have found their places less secure. Benzema and Isco, however, have proven their coach’s stance can be turned and now Bale must try to follow suit.
His man-of-the-match performance against Celta Vigo last weekend would surely have made an impact on Zidane and another similar display against Villarreal today might sneak him a starting spot in the final.
Cristiano Ronaldo has shaken off an ankle sprain but the decision is whether to risk the Portuguese’s fitness this weekend or, by leaving him out, his sharpness against Liverpool.
After 674 matches and 22 years associated with the club, Andres Iniesta will bid farewell to Barcelona, who host Real Sociedad tomorrow.
A grand closing ceremony is planned, with the Camp Nou crowd set to form the message ‘Infinito Iniesta’ on both sides and Iniesta’s No.8 at either end.
After the match, the 34-year-old will lift the La Liga trophy.
Torres’ departure will be no easier to stomach for Atletico, whom the forward has supported since he was five years old. An 128th goal for the club against Eibar tomorrow would bring the house down.
Atletico Madrid won the Europa League at a canter on Wednesday but silverware may not be enough to convince their two star players to stay. Antoine Griezmann looks particularly likely to move, with Barcelona expected to activate the striker’s €100 million buyout clause before the start of the World Cup.
Jan Oblak has proven himself among, if not at the top of, the world’s elite group of goalkeepers and Diego Simeone may face a fight to hold onto the Slovenian too.