Bale makes Real Madrid debut against Villarreal

Gareth Bale will make his long-awaited debut for Real Madrid against Villarreal on Saturday after being included in coach Carlo Ancelotti's starting line-up. The Welshman, who signed a six-year deal for around £80 million ($124 million, 94 million euros) earlier this month, is expected to play on the right side of the attack in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Cristiano Ronaldo and Isco also supporting the lone striker Karim Benzema. Asier Illarramendi also makes his bow for Los Blancos in midfield after joining from Real Sociedad for 39 million euros back in July. Bale finally sealed his transfer from Tottenham on September 1, but has had to wait two weeks to make his first appearance due to the international break. The 24-year-old took hardly any part in Spurs' pre-season programme and has played just half an hour of competitive football since the end of last season. Madrid's trip to El Madrigal will be their toughest test yet since Ancelotti took charge with Villarreal having made a perfect start on their return to the top flight with nine points from their three league games so far. Real have also made a 100 percent start to their league campaign, but have yet to truly shine under Ancelotti after grinding out wins against Real Betis and Granada before a 3-1 win over Athletic Bilbao two weeks ago. Source: AFP