Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has defended his selection of Gareth Bale in Saturday's 2-1 defeat to Barcelona.

The Welshman has struggled for fitness in the early stages of his career in the Spanish capital, but was selected from the start in El Clasico at the weekend.

"Did I play Bale for his price tag? For me, Bale is a player like any other. I think he was a good signing for Real Madrid," Ancelotti told reporters at a press conference.

"Bale played because in my opinion he could play and create problems for Barcelona, only for this.

"[Karim] Benzema did not start because I did not want the opposing defence to have a clear point of reference. So, Bale started on the left but could be repositioned with [Angel] Di Maria."

Madrid return to league action at home to Sevilla on Wednesday.

Written by
Matt Law