Real Madrid vs. Juventus: Zidane has a Gareth Bale problem going into Champions League final

Almost everything has gone well for Real Madrid since the hiring of Zinedine Zidane as manager. The World Cup-winning legend has helped fans forget about his underachieving predecessors like Rafa Benitez, Jose Mourinho, Manuel Pellergrini, Juande Ramos (Carlo Ancelloti did well, yes) and so on, while also giving the fans great hope for the future with a super impressive start to his top-flight managerial career. After all, in his first half-season as coach, he won the biggest prize - the Champions League, beating Atletico Madrid in penalty kicks last year. 

And now Zidane has a chance to become the most successful Real Madrid manager since Vicente del Bosque (1999-2003) with a win on Saturday, matching del Bosque's two UCL titles at Real Madrid.

But to do that, an important decision is going to need to be made. Heading into Saturday's Champions League final against Juventus, the manager is facing a bit of a dilemma when it comes to who starts up top alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema. 

Who to start? The popular Gareth Bale in front of his home fans in his native Wales or the hot hand of Isco?

He has gotten it right so far with others

If the last 16 months are an indication, Zidane is going to get it right. He's had to make tough choices when it comes to the lineup at Real, and pretty much all of them have gone well. He's made Nacho work out of necessity with so many injuries at the back, he's giving youngster Marco Asensio time and it has paid off (that assist to Ronaldo at Bayern comes to mind). He's even gotten James Rodriguez going, with the Colombian only scoring two goals in the first half of the season in limited time, only to earn more time and repay his manager with nine goals and four assists. 

The debate

Isco and Bale - both have had their fair share of appearances, though Bale missed a good chunk of the season with an injury which gave Isco the opportunity to take over, and he did just that. Here's a look at their impact this season:

Player	Appearances	Goals	Assists
Isco	41	11	8
Bale	26	9	3

Pressure to start Bale?

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is a demanding one, evident by his history of cutting coaches loose after a short time, not giving them the time of day to make an impact. He does what he wants. But with this game in Cardiff, Bale's hometown, could he be wanting Zidane to start the expensive, talented Bale in his country? Zidane said it will be his choice, but did say Bale is eager because of the magnitude and location, while even saying they could both start. 

"The team is happy he's back at full strength and we are all ready to contribute," Zidane said about Bale, according to Marca. 

"I know he's especially excited about being the home hero.

"Both are sensational players, they have shared the pitch on 16 occasions this season, why can't that happen again?" 

Why Isco should start

Isco is in fine form for Real, and what he offers is something different. He can have an impact on the wing but what he does best is cutting inside and playing as more of an attacking midfielder. His ability to play in various spots in attack is a plus for this team, especially if Zidane tries to move Ronaldo around a bit. Isco is so good on the ball, turns quickly, and can provide this team so much more in the final third when it comes to creating scoring chances. 

He's been the choice for most of the season and deserves to start.

Why Bale should start

Bale is a better goal scorer, and against the world's best defense, you have to start your best players, don't you? Bale is considerably stronger and bigger than Isco and is one of the best in the world when it comes to heading on goal. So when you are facing an Italian defense led by two stallions in Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci, having Bale makes a lot of sense, especially when you consider Juve's style. With outside defenders like Danilo and Dani Alves, both who like to get forward in attack, there should be chances for Real to go on the counter. Bale's faster and better than Isco, and his style fits in well to Real's game plan versus Juve. 

Not to mention what it means to Bale considering it is in his home town. That has to be a major motivational factor for Bale that may get him beyond any effects of the long layoff. Not that it means he must start because of it, but it surely has to be on Zidane's mind. 

Who will start?

All signs point to Isco at this point. Believe it or not, he has been one of Real's best players in the final half of the season and has earned the chance to start, and Bale hasn't been super sharp since returning from injury. Isco killed off Atletico Madrid in the semifinal second leg with his goal at the Calderon. But it sounds like Zidane hasn't made up his mind.

"At the end of the day I'm going to make a difficult decision among 22 or 23 players," he said.

And during his tenure, he has inexplicably gotten all of them right. And if he gets it right on Saturday, his legacy will be cemented. He is confident he can win with Bale, with Isco, with both. And, based on his short history, there is no reason to believe he can't win, no matter who he chooses. 

source  : http://www.cbssports.com