Martinez: Bale is the difference

Javi Martinez believes Gareth Bale is the difference between Real Madrid this year and last year’s team.

The Spain international is likely to be part of the Bayern Munich side that takes to the field against Madrid tonight in the Champions League semi-final.

AS reports that Martinez has told a Press conference that it is the Wales winger who has transformed Los Blancos, and also that he doesn’t know if he’ll play as a centre-back or a midfielder.

“The main difference is Bale. He’s a key player. Maybe this is a more attacking Madrid than last year, which is to be expected with the players they have,” Martinez said.

“You have to control the chances they generate. They are very quick on the counter-attack.

“They have quick players who are ready to counter and can score a goal. That’s what we have to watch.”

Martinez added that even if Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t passed fit, Madrid have plenty of ways to hurt their opponents.

“In a team like Madrid’s, if Cristiano doesn’t play then someone else does, like Isco, who will do just fine,” the former Athletic Bilbao man predicted.

“If he ends up playing we need to be very careful with him.

“We have said that all Madrid’s players are important and we have to stop them all.

“In the 11 that Carlo Ancelotti will put out, they can all get a goal.”

Tags Bayern Munich Gareth Bale Javi Martinez
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