Carlo Ancelotti knows time is running out for Real Madrid to catch Barcelona at the top of La Liga's standings. With their game against Malaga right around the corner, and the "Euro-derby" to be played next Wednesday, the Italian boss decided to leave Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale out of the team's training session in order to see them fully recovered for the club's upcoming commitments.
Bale barely recovered from a blow to his left foot in order to be available against Atletico on Tuesday, while Benzema had been rested in the game against Eibar to avoid any fatigue. Nevertheless, Benzema's display against los Colchoneros was rather disappointing, and he was subbed off after 76 minutes, with Isco taking his place. With that in mind, both players worked out inside the team's facilities.
Real Madrid faces a crucial week for them in both competitions, with both games being played at their home turf. First off, Los Blancos will host Malaga for their 32 fixture of La Liga's 2014-2015 season. Ancelotti's team can't afford any slip-ups, since they are trailing Barcelona by two points, and a loss would cancel most of their chances of winning the Spanish top flight for the second straight year.
Furthermore, Los Merengues need everyone available to play in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal against Atletico. When they host Simeone's men on Wednesday evening, Bale and Benzema will try to prove useful for the team, not being able to score against Godin & Co. in all seven derbies played this season.
The rest of the team worked under Ancelotti's supervision. It's almost certain that Ancelotti will address this issue on his pre-match press conference this Friday, where he will give further details of each player's situation.
