Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has defended Gareth Bale's performance for their defeat to Valencia.

The Welshman was criticised for the move at Mestalla when Karim Benzema rebuked him for not passing the ball with the scoreline still level.

"I've watched the incident at Mestalla and it wasn't easy to pass the ball. He made the decision to try to score and I don't need to talk to him about that," said Ancelotti.

"The squad know that when there's the option of the pass you play it, but in this case there was no space and he made a decision.

"I don't think he's individualistic. He slotted into the team very well last year, he's scored goals in three of the four finals that we've played and the pressure he has is positive."