Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid - Zidane confident Gareth Bale will recapture top form

Posted Sunday, September 17, 2017 by PA

Zinedine Zidane has backed Gareth Bale to rediscover his best form as Real Madrid prepare to face Real Sociedad in LaLiga.

The Welshman was jeered at times during the Champions League match against APOEL Nicosia in midweek and has struggled since scoring in the opening game of the season against Deportivo La Coruna.

But Zidane is confident the tide will turn for Bale, who scored twice at Estadio Anoeta in the corresponding fixture last season.

"We'll have to wait to see the best of Bale," the French coach told his club's official website.

"I'm in no doubt that he'll perform well. You've got to be patient and he's used to the pressure. It's not an issue for him.

"The only thing that we can influence is what happens out on the pitch. If he goes and scores two goals (on Sunday), we'll all be happy and people's thinking will change. Everything takes time and he needs that time. That's all there is to it."

Cristiano Ronaldo will serve the final game of his five-match ban while Brazilian full-back Marcelo, who signed a new long-term contract on Wednesday, is also suspended after a red card in the 1-1 home draw with Levante.

Karim Benzema is sidelined with a hamstring injury while central midfielder Mateo Kovacic is ruled out after coming off against APOEL in the Champions League in midweek with a groin injury.

Real will need to be wary in defence when they travel to San Sebastian, with Eusebio Sacristan's side showing their attacking prowess this term with 14 goals in four matches in all competitions, winning all four in the process.

Sergio Canales, who joined Los Blancos as a promising talent from Racing Santander in 2010, is looking forward to pitting his wits against his former side but knows that Sociedad are in for a tough night.

He said: "We are in a good moment right now, we are very good, but Real Madrid are the best team in the world and we will have to play with complete focus.

"The truth is that we are very confident at this moment, we are looking forward to the visit of Real Madrid. In our home ground, with the fans behind us, we can definitely achieve another victory.

"We have scored a lot of goals and hopefully there is not a negative streak around the corner, I think we are getting better in attack all the time."

Carlos Martinez is unavailable with a knee injury, alongside Raul Navas (back) and Inigo Martinez (unspecified), while Mikel Oyarzabal needs a late fitness test.