Gareth Bale aims savage dig at Eden Hazard after the Belgian is forced to return to the bench by Carlo Ancelotti

Gareth Bale aims savage dig at Eden Hazard after the Belgian is forced to return to the bench by Carlo Ancelotti

Gareth Bale could not help but laugh at Eden Hazard’s latest snub during Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey encounter against Athletic Bilbao. The Los Blancos suffered a 1-0 defeat to crash out of the domestic competition, one which they haven’t won since 2013-14.

The wait continues after Bilbao’s Alex Berenguer scored a wholesome goal in the 89th minute to send the Basque side into the semifinals of the competition. The defeat came as a result of some baffling tactics from Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti, who made only 2 substitutions throughout the match despite his side lacking intent in attack for the majority of the match.

Gareth Bale and Eden Hazard were unused substitutes during Real Madrid’s 1-0 defeat against Athletic Bilbao

Eden Hazard started the game on the bench with Ancelotti preferring to use the trio of Vinicius, Rodrygo and Asensio up front. Neither of them could make an impact and it was thought Ancelotti would call on the likes of Bale and Hazard to make an impact on the match.

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Bale spent the entirety of the match on the bench
Bale spent the entirety of the match on the bench

While Hazard was called on to warm up along the sidelines, hopes were high that the Belgian would get a chance to impress on the pitch. However, minutes later Ancelotti told Hazard to put his training bib on and get back on the bench, which sparked a hilarious reaction from his fellow teammate Bale.

The Welsh forward was spotted chuckling at Hazard, after he made his way forlornly towards the bench. The move to not play Eden Hazard seemed preposterous from Ancelotti, given the fact that it was only due to his winner against Elche that they advanced to this stage of the competition.

Gareth Bale and Eden Hazard
Will the two forgotten men be seen together on the pitch ever again?

Gareth Bale and Eden Hazard both have failed to hit the ground running this season, with injuries limiting their time on the pitch and are reportedly on their way out of the club. It remains to be seen whether either of them are able to force themselves into Carlo Ancelotti’s plans for the remainder of the season.

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