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Your support makes all the difference.Gareth Bale was again blasted in Spain by Real Madrid supporters last night after Real were dumped out of the Champions League, but, comparing his stats this season, he is on par with the PFA Player of the Year Eden Hazard.
Bale has scored 13 goals, and made eight assists in 28 appearances this season, while Chelsea's Hazard has scored 14 goals and made eight assists in 35 matches.
That gives Bale a goals-per-game ratio of 0.46 this season, slightly higher than Hazard's (0.4).
Bale was abused by Real Madrid fans as he left the club's Santiago Bernabeu stadium last night. He was whistled during the match by fans frustrated at his performance, but the hostile reception for Real's world-record transfer buy then spilled over into the car park after the final whistle.
The 25-year-old Bale defended his form afterwards after missing a string of chances as Real Madrid lost to Juventus on aggregate in the Champions League semi-final.
Bale has come in for repeated criticism in Spain and the boo-boys were out again in the second half of Wednesday's 1-1 draw in the Spanish capital as Bale missed several opportunities - five in the second half alone.
The result saw Madrid's defence of their European crown end with a 3-2 aggregate defeat but, while disappointed, Bale defended his own role.
"There have been some ups and downs but personally I think I've played well," he told Sky Sports of his season. "I've maybe not scored as many important chances as I'd like but my general play has been good. My finishing is not as good and that's something to work on for next year.
"What doesn't kill me makes me stronger and I'll learn from this season and take it on."
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