Carlo Ancelotti denies row between superstars Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale

Andy West 06:55 12/01/2015
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  • Trouble in paradise: Real Madrid duo Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale are reportedly in a rift.

    Despite seeing his team return to winning ways after a concerning dip in form, Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti still had to defuse a growing controversy in the wake of his team’s comfortable victory over Espanyol on Saturday.

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    Gareth Bale played a significant role in the 3-0 win, providing a wonderful cross-field pass to Cristiano Ronaldo in the build-up to

    the opener and then striking the second with a perfectly-executed free-kick.

    But the Welshman still drew the scorn of sections of the Bernabeu crowd after slotting a simple chance wide in the second half
    when he could have squared the ball to give Ronaldo a tap-in, sparking a frustrated response from the Portuguese.

    Some fans whistled Bale the next time he received the ball, and although many immediately responded by applauding the Welshman and chanting his name, it was still a hot topic for Ancelotti to address when he assessed the game – especially as Bale had been accused of a similar act of selfishness in the previous loss at Valencia.

    The Italian said: “The relationship between the players, not just between those two, is very good and the team has always shown that.” 

    Ancelotti’s claim that his side’s two most expensive players enjoy a good relationship appeared to be backed up by Ronaldo’s smiling, appreciative reaction to Bale’s free-kick goal, and he added: “We shouldn’t start a fuss over these things. Selflessness is important in a team and if there are any moments of selfishness, we will address it. But it’s a moment in football that happens often and I don’t think it’s fair to carry on talking about this subject.”

    Ancelotti preferred to dwell on the positives of Bale’s performance, adding: “Bale put in a very, very good match. He played with intensity and scored a goal.

    “He is a fundamental player for us, like Cristiano, and that’s why the fans demand more from them than
    from others.”

    He also defended Ronaldo after La Liga’s leading marksman failed to score in a home league game for the first time since September 2013, and has now only netted one penalty in his last five games.

    “Cristiano looks the same as always to me,” said Ancelotti. “He’s in great physical condition, playing for the team. His assist on the first goal was fantastic. He looks the same to me as always.”

    Ancelotti also ridiculed rumours that French defender Raphael Varane is poised for a surprise transfer to Bayern Munich.

    Spanish media reports claimed that Bayern boss Pep Guardiola had met with super-agent Jorge Mendes to negotiate the deal, but Ancelotti said: “It’s strange because I met with Varane’s agent three days ago and he wasn’t Jorge Mendes.

    “He will be a Real Madrid player for a very long time.”

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