Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane defends decision to leave Gareth Bale on the bench against Juventus

The reigning champions won 3-0 in Turin, but Bale didn’t so much as leave the bench to warm up

Gareth Bale was left out against Juventus in the Champions League quarter-final (Getty)

Zinedine Zidane has defended his decision to leave Gareth Bale on the bench again for the duration of Real Madrid’s win over Juventus on Tuesday and insisted he remains in their plans.

The reigning champions took a huge step towards the final four of the Champions League with a dominant 3-0 win in Turin, but Bale didn’t so much as leave the bench to warm up.

With the Spanish giants planning a summer remodelling, Bale is one of the players that the club are willing to move on from after a few season of injury frustrations.

But Zidane has said he expects the player to remain with Madrid.

“Bale didn’t warm up because this was our decision,” Zidane explained of the Welshman’s permanence on the substitute’s bench.

“Next season Gareth will be here,” he added, responding to questions about Bale’s future. “He will stay. That is my feeling right now.