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CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

GARETH BALE

Ten-man Real stroll past hapless Galatasary

Gareth Bale scored a marvellous free-kick as 10-man Real Madrid eased into the last 16 of the Champions League with a 4-1 win over Galatasaray on Wednesday.

Ten-man Real stroll past hapless Galatasary
Real Madrid player Gareth Bale opened the scoring against Galatasaray with his fifth goal in six games. Photo: AFP

Madrid had to play just under three quarters of the game with a man less after Sergio Ramos was shown a red card for dragging back Umut Bulut as he broke clear on goal.

Bale then opened the scoring with his fifth goal in six games, but Bulut equalized for the Turkish champions just a minute later.

Alvaro Arbeloa restored Real's lead just after the break and the full-back then teed up Angel di Maria to make the points safe 12 minutes later.

And Isco rounded off the scoring with a wonderful piece of skill as he left Selcuk Inan on the floor before side-footing the ball home.

Victory seals Madrid's place in the last 16 as group winners, whilst Galatasaray will have to beat Juventus at home on matchday six if they are to qualify after the Italian champions beat FC Copenhagen 3-1 in the night's other match in Group B.

"I think we played very well in the second-half when we had a player less," said Real coach Carlo Ancelotti.

"We played with courage, personality and very well generally. To play with 10 men is not always easy, but all the players worked together."

Galatasaray boss Roberto Mancini, meanwhile, was left confused as to how his side had passed up such a great opportunity to enhance their chances of qualification.

"Real Madrid has got top players and if you concede chances like we did then you cannot win.

"I don't know what happened. I have to find out. After the first-half I was very confident."

In the absence of the injured Cristiano Ronaldo, Bale was expected to carry more of the responsibility in attack, but he passed up a huge chance inside three minutes when he slotted wide with just Eray Iscan to beat.

The hosts were then reduced to 10 men after just 26 minutes when Ramos pulled back Bulut as he raced onto a ball over the top and Scottish referee.

Willie Collum had no hesitation of brandishing the 17th red card of Ramos' Madrid career.

Madrid coped admirably despite the sending-off and were in front on 37 minutes when Bale sending a dipping free-kick from fully 35 yards into the top corner.

The lead lasted barely 60 seconds, though, as a wonderful through ball from Didier Drogba played in Bulut to level.

Bale should have restored Madrid's lead when he fired an effort just over from inside the area.

But Los Blancos did make it 2-1 just six minutes after the interval through an unlikely source as Arbeloa bundled home Di Maria's cross.

Arbeloa then saw another effort fly just wide before venturing forward once more to square for Di Maria to make it 3-1.

Galatasaray boss Roberto Mancini introduced former Real favourite Wesley Sneijder in a bid to turn the game around.

And Iker Casillas had to make a stunning save to prevent Drogba's looping header from setting up a grandstand finish.

But Isco rounded off a fine night for the hosts when he danced through the Galatasaray defence before slotting low into the net.

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FOOTBALL

Gareth Bale out for up to four months following ankle surgery

Real Madrid superstar Gareth Bale could be out for up to four month after undergoing surgery on an injured right ankle, according to press reports in Spain.

Gareth Bale out for up to four months following ankle surgery
Photo: AFP

It was initially hoped that Bale could be back in action within two to three months after suffering the injury to the peroneal tendons in his ankle during Real's 2-1 Champions League win at Sporting Lisbon last week.


Photo: AFP

However, after undergoing surgery in London on Tuesday, Madrid sports daily AS reported the Welshman is unlikely to return before April.   

As well as a huge blow to Madrid's hopes in La Liga, Copa del Rey and Champions League, Bale's absence could prove fatal to Wales' chances of qualifying for the World Cup for the first time since 1958.

After a glorious run to the semi-finals of Euro 2016, Chris Coleman's side trail Group D leaders Republic of Ireland by four points ahead of the sides meeting in Dublin on March 24th.

Bale is certain to miss Saturday's El Clasico against Barcelona, the Club World Cup later this month and the first leg of Real's last 16 Champions League tie.