Bale to make Real debut at Villarreal
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E-mail Shanghai Daily, September 14, 2013
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Real Madrid's Gareth Bale is tackled by Cristiano Ronaldo (right) as teammates Casemiro (left), Karim Benzema (second left) and Pepe look on during a training session at Valdebebas sports grounds in Madrid yesterday. |
Coach Carlo Ancelotti gave Real Madrid fans two things to celebrate yesterday.
The Italian manager said Gareth Bale will make his debut for his new club at Villarreal today, and goalkeeper Iker Casillas will get his first start since midway through last season on Tuesday in Real's Champions League opener.
"Bale doesn't have any injuries, he is in good health, excited and motivated. He will play against Villarreal," Ancelotti said, adding that Bale will play "on the right," likely meaning Cristiano Ronaldo will shift inwards.
He added that Tottenham Hotspur had received offers from other clubs greater than the world record 100 million euros (US$132 million) Real paid to secure the transfer of the Welsh winger.
"I know that Tottenham had offers superior to Real Madrid's," he said. "I don't know what was paid, but I know they had a greater offer. The desire the player had to come here made the difference."
Bale made his debut this season as a substitute for Wales on Tuesday.
Casillas hasn't started for Real since he was benched by former coach Jose Mourinho last season. Ancelotti has maintained Diego Lopez as Real's starter through its first three Spanish league games, and it appears Lopez will also start at Villarreal today. While not confirming that Casillas will be his set starter in the Champions League, Ancelotti said he will at least be his ‘keeper at Galatasaray in Turkey on Tuesday.
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