Gareth Bale Left Confused by Substitution After Juventus vs. Real Madrid Match

Gareth Bale's record-breaking move to Real Madrid has been among the most scrutinised transfers of all time, if not for its £85 million fee, then for the injuries the Welshman has struggled with since moving.

However, just nine games into his tenure at Real, Bale is already silencing some critics—his goalscoring display against Juventus on Tuesday evening being the latest reason why.  

The winger was left scratching his head, however, as to why Carlo Ancelotti chose to withdraw him just 14 minutes after putting Real in front in Turin and with the scores tied at two apiece.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the draw, Bale stated: 

"

I'm not sure why I was taken off, but it's obviously the manager's decision and I've got to do what is best for the team. I've come back and played three games in a week. I'm still building my fitness up.

It's always nice to get a goal. It's obviously a difficult place to come, in Juventus it's such a hostile atmosphere. I think a point isn't a bad result.

Obviously we came here to win, but we'll take it and move on to the next game and try to qualify as quickly as possible.

"

In his nine outings as a Real Madrid player, the 24-year-old has played the full 90 minutes just twice—the most recent two league encounters against Sevilla and Rayo Vallecano.

Worth noting is that in those two games, Bale has contributed two goals and four assists, showing he is capable of repaying opportunities when they're afforded to him.

OptaJoe shows Bale's rising form:

Of course, manager Ancelotti has other figures in his star-studded squad that require appeasing, too, but when there are still points to be won and a player in flying form, Bale may have a case to argue against his substitution.

For preservation of fitness or whatever other reason, the forward seems happy to go along with things for now. So early in his Madrid career, it is not surprising to see the Cardiff-born speedster remain so modest.

Angel Di Maria has been, and is likely to continue as, the main source of competition Bale has on Ancelotti's right wing.

So far, the Italian has utilised squad rotation to its optimum, but it's only natural that one player wins the starting role outright eventually.

A draw at Juventus is no crisis as Madrid saunter toward the knockout rounds, but the withdrawal of Bale will be roundly criticised if Ancelotti hooks the former Spurs man in a game that costs the Spanish giants.

Such are the woes of being a manager at the helm of a club like Real Madrid.