Bale faces tough baptism of fire at home

With his Real side misfiring and city rival Atletico flying high, world record signing Gareth Bale may be in for a baptism of fire when he makes his home debut in Saturday's Madrid derby at the Bernabeu.

The 100 million euro ($135 million) Wales winger was due to play his first match at Real's giant arena last weekend against Getafe but tweaked a thigh muscle in the warm-up and was hastily withdrawn from the starting lineup.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti rested Bale for Wednesday's 2-1 win at promoted Elche, when Real needed a controversial Cristiano Ronaldo penalty deep into stoppage time to secure victory, but told reporters the 24-year-old would be back to face Atletico.