Gareth Bale Comments on Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester City and Champions League

Gareth Bale rubbished claims that he and Real Madrid team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo have a poor relationship with each other in an exclusive interview with the Times' Henry Winter (h/t the Daily Mail's Anthony Hay) on Monday, noting Ronaldo helped him adjust to life in Spain:

"

He speaks English which helped me when I first came here. We also have that link from the Premier League. We get on really well.

The press make a lot of things that maybe we don’t but we get on fine. We’ve never had a problem. I’ve never had an argument with him. He’s a very, very passionate person on the pitch — everyone knows that. He’s very determined. People sometimes seem to take that the wrong way. We haven’t had a problem.

"

Their relationship and perceived dislike of each other have long been the source of speculation in the press.

Spanish outlet AS (h/t the Mirror's Aaron Flanagan) reported in October the pair were "avoiding each other" in training in the wake of Bale's agent, Jonathan Barnett, describing Ronaldo as an "underwear seller." 

The Portuguese further increased speculation in February, when he hinted the pair and Karim Benzema do not socialise with one another outside of football, per the Express.

While Real's front three evidently do not share the same level of friendship as Barcelona's, the trio have shown chemistry in their relatively limited number of opportunities to feature together this season, and they have helped Los Blancos capitalise on the Blaugrana's recent poor form to fire themselves back into the title race.

Bale also spoke of their upcoming UEFA Champions League semi-final against Manchester City and anticipates a difficult game for Real—but one they can overcome, per Winter:

"

City have some great players, Sergio Aguero, David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne is in good form. They wouldn’t be in the Champions League semi-finals without good players. We know the threat they could pose but we’re ready for it. They know we have good players. Hopefully we can cause them more problems than they cause us.

"

Indeed, Los Merengues will fancy their chances if Bale can put in a repeat of Saturday's display.

Football journalist Dermot Corrigan hailed his impact as the Welshman bagged a brace to lead the side to a memorable comeback against Rayo Vallecano:

Ronaldo sat out of the match, but according to Squawka, he will be ready to play at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday. Benzema's involvement is still in doubt, though, per Corrigan:

With a wealth of attacking talent nevertheless available for both sides—and neither a particular inspiration at the back—it's shaping up to be a thrilling contest and one in which there may be plenty of goals on offer.

Madrid have the edge in experience, which could make the difference across the two legs, but City showed resilience and guile by beating Paris Saint-Germain to reach this stage.