Real Madrid News: In CR7's Absence, It's Time for Gareth Bale to Step Up

Just when Cristiano Ronaldo’s sublime performances elevated his status from likely Ballon d’Or winner to stick-on, his untimely injury means the unwanted accompanying media circus must now refocus its attention elsewhere. And where better than the world’s most expensive player—Gareth Bale.

A whopping £85 million transfer fee predictably ensured Bale endured humble beginnings in Madrid. The magnitude of the fee provided the Spanish press ample ammunition to regularly mock the Welshman, which climaxed following his largely ineffective centre-forward role against Barcelona, as per Ian Chadband of The Daily Telegraph.

Since then, Bale's return to form has also coincided with Ronaldo taking his performances to unprecedented levels, suggesting that this dream pairing has already laid its foundations to being a formidable attack this season.

Whilst both players have had a memorable 2013, Ronaldo’s magnificent hat-trick in Scandinavia (in the World Cup play-off 3-2 win over Sweden) effectively countersigned the winning submission for the much coveted 2013 Ballon d’Or.

But with the man of the moment now sidelined for an uncertain period of time, Bale will find himself firmly back in the limelight—under pressure to maintain Real's recent impressive form.

Los Blancos' 5-0 win against Almeria on Saturday resulted in a fourth successive La Liga win—their best sequence this campaign with 20 goals scored along the way.

During said run, Bale has reproduced the form which made him become a highly sought jewel, with three goals and five assists, plus a sizzling effort away to Juventus which left his critics venom-less.

But now, in Ronaldo's absence, it is time for Bale to step up to the plate. Despite the signs being good, can Bale keep performing his magic without his partner in crime?

Galatasaray are first visitors to the Bernabeu to face Ronaldo-less Real. The Turks will be in a determined mood to avoid a defeat in order to keep their Champions League dream alive. By contrast, Real only require a point to qualify for the last 16.

Then it is back to La Liga. Before Christmas, Carlo Ancelotti’s men face a home tie against Real Valladolid plus away trips to Osasuna and Valencia.

Although the corresponding games yielded seven points last campaign, Los Blancos struggled against Real Valladolid, narrowly winning 4-3, whilst only a 0-0 draw could be achieved against Osasuna.

Given Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are six and three points clear respectively, Real cannot afford to drop any points. With this in mind, Bale will be expected to be almost as influential and consistent as the Portuguese in his absence.

No pressure then.

*All statistics have been sourced from Squawka.com and Transfermrkt.com