Three days before the clash in the round of 16 first leg of the Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain, the Merengues, deprived of Karim Benzema but with Gareth Bale in his place, were dominated for the first 45 minutes in Villarreal, then n failed to crack Geronimo Rulli in the second half.

Result: Real approaches its Parisian test with some doubts.

The Merengues have won only one of their last four matches (1-0 against Granada on February 6 in La Liga) … and feel the breath of Julen Lopetegui's men on their necks.

In the 90th + 2, however, Luka Jovic had the winning goal at the tip of his foot, but his ball taken from outside the area crashed against the crossbar, and Nacho's recovery was pushed back by Serge Aurier on his line.

The "White House" will have to correct certain things in view of the shock against Paris.

But Tuesday, Carlo Ancelotti will certainly be able to count with Karim Benzema, still embarrassed in the left thigh and preserved on Saturday.

Bale holder

To make up for the absence of his favorite centre-forward, Ancelotti established Gareth Bale in false N.9.

The Welsh international had not started since August 28, during the 3rd day of La Liga, on the lawn of Betis Seville (victory of Real 1-0).

"My relationship with Bale is going very well. Why didn't I play him earlier? Because he struggled to get back to peak physical condition. But in the last few days I saw a player training with intensity. He's ready to play. When I throw him, he'll be there," Ancelotti said at a pre-match press conference on Friday.

Gareth Bale holder with Real Madrid against Villarreal at La Ceramica stadium, February 12, 2022 JOSE JORDAN AFP

And the Welshman, often criticized for his nonchalance in Madrid, had a few goal balls on Saturday … but always stumbled against Geronimo Rulli (42nd, 56th, 64th).

Opposite, Unai Emery also had to compose without his goleador Gerard Moreno (absent for a month as a precaution, to avoid a relapse of his calf injury), but the "Yellow Submarine" was propelled in the first period by the winger Nigerian Samu Chukwueze, who never stopped having fun with Marcelo, especially after a festival from the 6th minute.

A track to follow for the Parisians on Tuesday?

Be careful though.

By Tuesday, Benzema, Ferland Mendy and other Luka Modric, usual holders, should return to the eleven merengue.

© 2022 AFP