Real Madrid vs Manchester City : Five things to look for

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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – APRIL 26: Gareth Bale of Real Madrid in action during the UEFA Champions League semi final first leg match between Manchester City FC and Real Madrid at Etihad Stadium on April 26, 2016 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images) /

2. All eyes on Gareth Bale

Gareth Bale was the hero for Real Madrid as his header in the 80th gave them the win this weekend. It has been a great time for the man from Wales as he has taken over the role as top offensive threat. With Ronaldo out, Bale will likely be the top threat and can he deadly if he is put in the right spot.

If Real Madrid want Bale to be the most successful, they should put him out on the wing and not try to experiment him in the middle as an attacking midfielder. He’s best when he uses his speed to his advantage on the wing. He only plays in the midfield for Wales and that’s because he is their only threat of offense and needs to be the playmaker for everything. But this is Real Madrid and they have tons of quality midfielders in the team. With Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Casemiro, Isco, and Lucas Vasquez all healthy, Real Madrid have numerous options.

But if Ronaldo doesn’t play, Bale will likely be the man to watch as Madrid move forward in attack. He has shown that he is quality enough to win games by himself and will truly show his worth if he chooses to do so against Manchester City. He won them the UCL a few years ago, why not take them to the final again?

Next: Can City make England look better?

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