Without Messi Barca are falling to bits. Gotta give credit to Bilbao though. They pressed hard and dug Barca a huge hole. But it is quite evident that without Messi Barca lost that spark in attack. Playing Fabregas as a make shift striker shows the lack of quality depth Barca have in the striker position. Neymar despite being a class player just doesn't fill Messi shoes.
Contrastingly with the acquisition of Bale, Madrid can definitely cope without Ronaldo which was evident in the last game. Real Madrid have quality back ups and will not look to falter if injuries hit us. If Isco gets injured Modric can shift to CAM. If Xabi gets injured we have Casemiro and Illaramendi. If Benzema gets injured we have Morata and Jese. If Bale gets injured we have Di Maria.
Bale despite the price tag will be very valuable within the years to come. Him and Ronaldo will build a great combination. If Ronaldo gets injured then Bale can cover his position without any fuss. They are pretty similar players and i can see Bale developing even more with Ronaldo around him.
I think this is where Madrid are far ahead compared to Barca. There is simply no one to cover Messi's position and the longer Messi is not playing for Barca, the more Barca will struggle.
