Zidane refuses to criticise Gareth Bale for recent Wales action

Real Madrid return from the international break with a home game against Real Sociedad and Zidane has refused to comment on the starting prospects of Bale. Currently, the Madrid giants are behind league leaders Barcelona by only goal difference and they have the opportunity to take the lead with a big-margin victory over Sociedad.

Los Blancos and Blaugrana have yet to face each other after the first El Clasico of the season was postponed and it could eventually come to the meetings between the two to decide the top-flight title. Meanwhile, Sevilla and Atletico Madrid are one and three points behind them respectively but they have not quite flourished on the attacking front and that could leave them short of the La Liga crown.