Gareth Bale has revealed his belief that not a single Atletico Madrid player would get into the Real Madrid starting line-up.
The Welshman’s comments come just a few days before the two city rivals come head-to-head in the Champions League final in Milan on Saturday night.
It’s the second time in three years that they’ve contested the biggest prize in European football, and Bale has aimed a huge dig at their rivals which could come back to haunt him.
While it is fair for the Real star to be confident and express his opinion, one which many will agree with, it is arguably unnecessary to give Diego Simeone and his men any further motivation by triggering a reaction with his assessment.
“For me, no Atletico player would feature in Real Madrid’s team,” Bale told the Spanish media, as reported by Sky Sports. “Real Madrid are better in all positions.”
“It will be difficult but we will fight until the final minute for the win.
“We know that we can do it, we’re confident, but it will be a difficult match against a great team like Atletico. We have to be patient because they defend very well. We must wait for our chance and when we create them, be accurate in front of goal.
“I feel good and I’m really looking forward to Saturday. The team is calm, enjoying training and working hard. We think we can win and we’ll try to lift the ‘Undecima’.”
Along with the likes of Cristian Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, Bale will be hoping to prove that he makes a valid point this weekend with Real looking to add yet another European crown to their collection.
Having finished above Atleti in the La Liga standings this season, but a point behind champions Barcelona, they will be desperate to end the season with silverware and will certainly fancy their chances of claiming the trophy in what promises to be an enthralling clash of styles.