This archive report was first published on 20 July 2020.
Real Madrid's title win in the Spanish league was marked by controversy, with Gareth Bale's omission from the final game against Leganes sparking debate. The game ended 2-2, with Leganes relegated to the second division.
On 5 July, Real Madrid won the Spanish league title with a 2-1 win over Villarreal, but Bale was an unused substitute in the match. He had made just two appearances in Madrid's final 11 matches.
According to coach Zinedine Zidane, Bale's omission from the final game was a 'technical decision', not a reflection of his performance or commitment to the team. Zidane's statement came after Sunday's final league game against Leganes.
Team-mate James Rodriguez had also been absent from recent matchday squads, with Zidane stating that the Colombian had asked to be left out. Bale, who turned 31 on the day his side won the league, was pictured standing at a distance with arms folded as Zidane was thrown in the air by some of the Real players.
Real's next game is on Friday, 7 August, when they travel to Manchester City looking to overturn a 2-1 first-leg deficit in their Champions League last-16 tie.
