• Real Madrid fans have voted for their ideal starting line-up in 
  • Rafa Benitez’s first game as Madrid manager is at Sporting Gijon
  • Juventus are gearing up for their first game of the Serie A season 

Jack Bezants for MailOnline

If Rafa Benitez really is planning to use Gareth Bale to spearhead his Real Madrid side at the expense of Cristiano Ronaldo, it appears he will have to win over the supporters – and fast.

That’s if a poll run Spanish newspaper AS is anything to go by.

Fans were invited to choose their ideal Madrid starting line-up and the results are yet another pointer that the world’s most expensive player does not hold the same standing among the Bernabeu faithful as Ronaldo, James Rodriguez and Toni Kroos.

AS have asked fans to choose their ideal Real Madrid starting line-up ahead of the new La Liga season

AS have asked fans to choose their ideal Real Madrid starting line-up ahead of the new La Liga season

Gareth Bale received 38,023 votes
Cristiano Ronaldo had 66,000 votes from a possible 67,733

Gareth Bale (left) received 38,023 votes, a minor amount compared to Cristiano Ronaldo’s 66,000

Madrid manager Rafa Benitez (right) could be plotting to hand Bale a leading role at the expense of Ronaldo

Madrid manager Rafa Benitez (right) could be plotting to hand Bale a leading role at the expense of Ronaldo

Of 67,773 fans to vote, 38,023 chose Bale in their starting line-up. Rodriguez had 62,109, Kroos 65,143 and Ronaldo a whopping 66,000.

The Wales international endured a testing time at Madrid last season, with fans repeatedly jeering him and some even mobbing his car when he left the Valdebebas training ground after defeat by Barcelona.

Benitez is renowned the for having skin as thick as a rhino and he will need it if he is to relinquish Madrid’s dependence on Ronaldo and turn to Bale – which reports in Spain throughout the summer have suggested.

Elsewhere in the vote, Madrid fans would prefer to see Raphael Varane partnering Sergio Ramos in the heart of the defence instead of Pepe. Varane had 51,898 votes compared to Pepe’s 20,789.

But the Portugal defender’s new contract is celebrated on the front of Marca, alongside his partnership with Ramos.

‘The Portuguese’s extension until 2017 establishes one of the longest defensive partnerships in Madrid’s history,’ Marca report alongside a picture of the pair celebrating.

‘Together since 2007 to end Madrid’s centre-back curse.’

In Italy, Juventus are gearing up to target their fifth straight Scudetto triumph when they begin the Serie A season at home to Udinese on Sunday.

Marca report on Pepe's contract extension at Madrid and celebrate his partnership with Sergio Ramos

Marca report on Pepe’s contract extension at Madrid and celebrate his partnership with Sergio Ramos

Tuttosport says Juventus could sign Henrikh Mkhitaryan or Julian Draxler
Gazzetta dello Sport says Juventus 'in pole' to win Serie A

The Italian media are ready for the return on Serie A, where Juventus are favourites to win again

Juventus have won the last four Serie A titles and are favourites to win a fifth this season

Juventus have won the last four Serie A titles and are favourites to win a fifth this season

Gazzetta dello Sport say ‘Juventus in pole’ to reclaim the league title but face competition from Roma and the two resurgent Milan clubs.

Tuttosport reports that Juve want to bolster their title hopes with at least one major signing before Wednesday.

The paper says they face a choice between Henrikh Mkhitaryan of Borussia Dortmund and Julian Draxler at Schalke. 

 


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