Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund 3-2 Extended Highlights HD 2017

The Wales international has endured an injury-hit 2017/18 campaign, missing 14 of Real’s 22 fixtures in all competitions so far. And fitness problems have caused serious concern among club staff, who apparently fear his issues could be as psychological as they are physical. Bale has been heavily linked with a return to the Premier League throughout his series of injury. And the latest reports from Spain claim a move back to England from Real has been decided upon as the best course of action.

Former Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien has admitted that he fears Eden Hazard could leave the Blues for Real Madrid. Real Madrid are said to be long-term admirers of Hazard, who has scored eight times and provided seven assists in 19 appearances for Chelsea during the 2017-18 campaign. Essien has conceded that the Spanish giants will be a big draw for Hazard, but the 35-year-old is hopeful that the Premier League champions will be able to tie the Belgian international to a new long-term contract. 

 "He could go to Real Madrid to win the Balon d'Or easier," Essien told Goal.com. "When we talk about Eden, he is such a good player. He's very quick, very good on the ball. He's very strong, he may be little but he is strong, trust me! It is hard to get the ball off him. "He's such a good player and we're happy to have him at Chelsea but I'd understand why Madrid would be looking at him. He is proving it week-in, week-out. At the moment he is the most important player [at Chelsea]. When you have Hazard, he can always do something. 



 "He can always create something to do something with the ball. He makes goals for himself or others. He has that magic touch. I think that Chelsea need to renew his contract. You don't want your best players to leave and we need him at the club. "I think he is only motivated about playing football, he just enjoys playing football. It would take a lot of money to replace him [at Chelsea] but I hope that they can tie him down for a long time." Chelsea will look to continue their pursuit of Manchester City and Manchester United in the Premier League table when they travel to West Ham United on Saturday afternoon.

Madrid led 2-0 after Borja Mayoral opened the scoring and Ronaldo netted his ninth group-stage goal this season. Dortmund equalized with two goals by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, one in each half, but Lucas Vazquez got the winner in the 81st minute at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Ronaldo, the all-time leading scorer in the Champions League with 115 goals, netted with a well-placed shot from outside the area after a pass by Mateo Kovacic in the 12th minute, curling the ball into the top corner by the far post. “We wanted to finish the group stage well, with a win, and we did so,” Ronaldo told UEFA.com. “I scored, I helped the side win. It’s a nice goal and the record is important, too. I’m delighted.”