Ancelotti backs Bale's effort

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti believes Welsh winger Gareth Bale is having a "fantastic season" and called on his critics to relax.

Bale has been grilled in the Spanish press in recent weeks for being too selfish in missing glorious scoring opportunities against Valencia, Espanyol and Real Sociedad with teammates waiting for a pass to apply the finishing touch.

However, Ancelotti pointed to Bale's record in scoring in three finals in 2014, as well as the 27 assists he has provided in little over 18 months at the club to dismiss criticism of the 25-year-old.