Real Madrid need to throw an Isco in Cardiff

Cristiano Ronaldo and Real Madrid are a better side with Isco in the starting XI, according to Genting Bet .

With both Gareth Bale and Isco vying for a Champions League starting spot, Genting Bet has discovered it’s the latter who vastly improves the Spanish side on the pitch.

Ronaldo scores an impressive 1.08 goals per game when playing alongside the Spaniard, compared with just 0.46 goals when Bale takes to the field in his absence.

Real Madrid better off with Isco

But it’s not just Ronaldo who benefits from Isco’s presence, with Real Madrid winning 82% of their matches when he plays, compared to just 54% with Bale.

Neutrals will also be hoping Bale is left on the bench on his return to Cardiff, with Real Madrid scoring on average 2.8 goals when Isco partners Ronaldo, compared to 2.5 with the Welshman.

Ronaldo and Isco fire on all fronts

The duo have proved they possess a fantastic on-field relationship – and figures also indicate the No.22 is more dangerous as an individual, with four goals and four assists in 11 games without Bale.

In contrast, Bale’s disappointing record of three goals and two assists in 13 matches shows that his relationship with Ronaldo doesn’t quite hit the same heights.

With question marks over Bale’s fitness ahead of Saturday night’s final, Genting Bet insight shows Isco is the key to Real Madrid winning the competition for a second consecutive year.