Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich: Zidane identifies Bale's replacement for Champions League second leg

What’s the story?

Real Madrid superstar Gareth Bale will not be available for the crucial second leg match against Bayern Munich and now according to reports from AS, the Frenchman has decided to start Isco in place of the injured Welshman.

The Spaniard was the best player on the pitch in the weekend encounter against Sporting Gijon and Zidane is set to reward Isco with a starting berth in the crucial Champions League second leg.

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Isco will have a vital role to play against Bayern Munich

Bale has had a frustrating season so far and injury problems have dogged him in the last few months. Bale was substituted during the second half of last week's 2-1 victory over the Bundesliga champions at the Allianz Arena and sat out the 3-2 win at Sporting Gijon in LaLiga on Saturday.

Zidane confirmed that he would not be risking Bale in the second leg:

"Gareth has been working hard to get back and to play with the side and, after his three months out from injury, he's come back and was very excited about playing again," the Frenchman told a pre-match news conference.

"But he's got a little problem that has come up again. We hope it's nothing."In a few more days he should be back with us. Tomorrow [Tuesday] he will not be ready. We don't want to risk anything with him but he should be ready in a few days.”

The heart of the matter

Real Madrid are the favourites to progress to the last 4 after their impressive 2-1 victory in the first leg against Bayern Munich. For the second leg at home, Zidane is expected to welcome back Cristiano Ronaldo and Benzema but instead of Bale he will most likely be starting with Isco in his front three.

The likes of James, Asensio and Lucas Vasquez are the other options available to the Frenchman, but the impressive performance of Isco in the weekend seems to have tipped the scales in his favour.

What’s next?

Although Real Madrid hold a lead in the first leg, Bayern Munich are a very dangerous side and they will be boosted by the return of Robert Lewandoski. In all likelihood, Real Madrid will need to score in the second leg and Isco will play a crucial role in Real Madrid’s attack.

Also, with El Clasico coming up, Zidane will be hoping that Bale recovers and plays a part in the crucial La Liga encounter against arch rivals Barcelona.

Author’s take

Isco showed his immense class and talent with a spellbinding performance against Sporting Gijon. Since Bale is unavailable for this match, it makes perfect sense for Zidane to start the 24-year-old playmaker.