Bale Hits the Nail on the Head

Real Madrid fell 1-0 at Anfield against Liverpool, in a match that could have ended with a wider margin if not for the brilliance of Thibaut Courtois. What concerned analysts most, however, was the lackluster performance of the team’s attack—particularly Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Jr., who didn’t register a single shot on goal.

One of the harshest critics was former Madrid winger Gareth Bale, now a commentator for CBS Sports Golazo. “We didn’t see Mbappé or Vinicius producing any magic in that final third or getting the team back into the game,” said the Welshman, pointing to a clear lack of creativity near the box.

Missing Spark and a Reference Point

Bale, who knows the demands of Real Madrid better than most, didn’t mince words: “It was disappointing not to see the quality expected from Real Madrid players in that final third.” For the former forward, the problem goes beyond poor finishing—it’s also about the absence of a true striker to capitalize on the pace of Madrid’s wingers.

“It’s frustrating. Maybe they just complicate things. Sometimes you just have to push the ball forward and test the defender. They were clearly faster than anyone on the pitch. Maybe they don’t do it because there’s no one in the box waiting for the cross. Maybe they need that reference No. 9, and that makes things harder,” Bale concluded.

A Problem That Won’t Go Away

The Welshman’s comments have struck a chord among fans and media alike, many of whom have been calling for a more defined attacking plan under Xabi Alonso. Without a true No. 9 and relying too much on individual brilliance, Real Madrid continues to leave doubts in big matches.

And while Bale enjoys his new career as a pundit, his words serve as a reminder that—even in retirement—few understand the highs and lows of Los Blancos quite like he does.