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Gareth Bale and Real Madrid players want Cristiano Ronaldo dropped ahead of Atletico clash
GARETH BALE and his Real Madrid team-mates want Cristiano Ronaldo DROPPED, according to sensational reports in Spain.
Real Madrid star Ronaldo unimpressed about being substituted
Real Madrid go up against fierce rivals Atletico in the Madrid derby later this afternoon (3.15pm).
Despite sitting two points clear of Barcelona at the summit, the Spanish giants' key stars are struggling.
Cristiano Ronaldo has endured a frustrating campaign, failing to hit the same heights as in previous seasons.
Though he has 19 La Liga goals for the campaign, arch nemesis Lionel Messi has netted eight more times.
Cristiano Ronaldo has endured a difficult campaign at Real Madrid
Even experienced heads like Luka Modric and Toni Kroos harbour doubts over Ronaldo's current form.
The report says they have asked manager Zinedine Zidane to demote the Madrid No 7 to the bench in favour of playing those in better form.
Whether he does, or not, remains to be seen.
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