Bale praised by Ancelotti

REAL MADRID manager Carlo Ancelotti praised a “motivated” Gareth Bale for both goals in Sunday’s win over Levante but played down an apparent strop from Cristiano Ronaldo.

Bale scored twice before half-time in a win that leaves Real one point behind Barcelona with two sides meeting next weekend in a vital Clasico.

Criticised by Real fans following the midweek Champions League loss to Schalke and occasionally booed by the home crowd this season, Ancelotti was pleased with the response, from not only Bale, but his whole team.

“I saw a more motivated Bale with more desire, but the whole team had more desire and concentration today. Everyone understood what we had to do and what we have to do next Sunday,” he said.

The Italian responded to Tuesday’s stunning 4-3 defeat at home to Schalke in the Champions League by recalling Luka Modric and Sergio Ramos to the starting line-up for the first time after long-term spells on the sidelines, while Keylor Navas was selected in goal ahead of the under-fire Iker Casillas. And Ancelotti recognised that Bale was a lot more comfortable with his old Spurs team-mate Modric alongside him.

“The influence of Modric is positive. It gives Bale more opportunities to be involved in the game,” added Ancelotti. “They played together at Tottenham and he is definitely more comfortable with Modric.”

Cristiano Ronaldo played a role in both of Bale’s goals but though he appeared aggrieved when Bale broke his goal drought, throwing an arm in the air when his acrobatic effort was blocked and doing the same after his team-mate scored the rebound, Ancelotti played down suggestions of a ‘strop’.

“He didn’t score but he was very lively during the game,” Ancelotti said.

“I think Cristiano’s alive because the first goal came from a shot which the defender saved and then Bale scored the second in the same way. Cristiano didn’t score but was alive in the game.” — SkySport