Gareth Bale could equal Cristiano Ronaldo‘s record of playing in five Champions League finals with a surprise role for Real Madrid against Liverpool in the showpiece, Carlo Ancelotti has hinted.
Bernabeu boss Ancelotti had called on Madrid fans to show Bale their respect in the LaLiga champions’ final home game of the season on Friday, only to leave the Wales talisman out of his 23-man matchday squad for the goalless draw with Real Betis.
Despite only featuring for a solitary 16-minute appearance in Madrid’s last 14 matches, Ancelotti suggested after the LaLiga closer that out-of-contract Bale could target history in the Champions League on May 28.
Gareth Bale (left) made a rare outing during Real Madrid’s Champions League visit to Chelsea
Bale was not among the stars named by Carlo Ancelotti (R) for Madrid’s closing LaLiga game
Ancelotti said: ‘Bale wanted to say goodbye and play tonight if he was fine. He has one last chance as he will be fine for the final.’
The 32-year-old has been troubled by a back injury since April, keeping him from adding to his seven minutes of Champions League action so far this season as he sat out Madrid’s dramatic win over Manchester City in extra time in the semi-finals.
Bale and team-mates Karim Benzema, Dani Carvajal, Isco, Marcelo and Luka Modric are one appearance away from matching Ronaldo’s appearance record in the final for Manchester United and Madrid.
The former Tottenham wideman will also join Ronaldo as the only player to have netted three times in finals of the modern competition if he scores for Madrid in what would be his last appearance for the club.
Bale took part in an official Madrid photoshoot ahead of the Champions League final on May 28
That would double Bale’s tally in all club competitions at the end of a season in which he has made a total of seven appearances so far.
Ancelotti has rotated his squad since overseeing their title victory with four LaLiga games to spare on April 30.
Madrid have won once in four league games in the absence of players including defender David Alaba, who has missed the last five matches through injury.
Ancelotti told Marca: ‘Alaba is going to be there to play in the final but it wasn’t necessary to take risks tonight.
‘He’s going to play, 100 percent. He hasn’t played since April 26 – but in this crucial match not only physicality is taken into account, but also his skill and experience.’
