Reports: Gareth Bale to start for Real Madrid in the Champions League final

The big day is here and both Real Madrid and Liverpool are shaping up for what promises to be one of the most entertaining Champions League finals of recent times.

For Real Madrid and Zinedine Zidane, team selection would be of paramount importance, especially because of the attacking ammunition at Zidane’s disposal.

Early reports from Kiev suggest that Gareth Bale could start in the final tonight, as Zidane is looking to use Bale’s pace against that inexperienced Liverpool defence.

Reports in the Liverpool Echo, AS and Marca state that Gareth Bale’s recent upsurge in form could see him force his way into that Madrid starting line up tonight.

Bale has been hot and cold this season, struggling for form at the outset, but he has scored 7 goals in his last 9 appearances for Madrid and looks to be back to his best.

A stellar performance in tonight’s final could help him cement his place is Zidane’s plans for the future of Real Madrid(or maybe increase his price in the transfer market).

What if Bale starts?

If Bale starts, he would most likely be playing instead of Karim Benzema, but he won’t be taking up Benzema’s position as such.

Ronaldo will then have to slot into that more central role upfront, one that would give Bale a free hand to run at the Liverpool defense from wide areas.

The Liverpool full backs will have their work cut out if Bale starts, because he would give this Real Madrid attack a new dimension, one that would be dominated by pace and strength.

Who do you think will come out on top in the CL Final tonight?