Wales boss Rob Page praised the Real Madrid fans for their "class" after greeting Gareth Bale with a standing ovation at their Champions League title celebrations.
Bale has endured a turbulent spell in the Spanish capital, despite scoring in three Champions League finals for Madrid and winning the competition with Los Blancos on five occasions.
The most recent of those came on Saturday in a 1-0 win over Liverpool, with Bale an unused substitute as Madrid lifted a 14th European Cup, which is more than double any other side.
The Wales international has been much maligned by Madrid fans during his time in Spain, as supporters and the Spanish media have questioned his commitment to the club.
However, Bale's appearance at the Santiago Bernabeu celebrations on Sunday was met with rapturous applause, signalling a fitting end as the 32-year-old prepares to move on when his contract expires in June.
Page expressed his gratitude to Madrid fans for that support after Bale linked up with Wales, who have the Nations League and a crucial World Cup qualifying play-off match to contend with in the next week.
"I thought they showed class and rightly so for what he's achieved for that football club," Page told reporters on Tuesday.
"You look back to what he's done, scoring winners in Champions League finals and in the manner in which he's done it.
"What an achievement for him personally to be a part of that group of people, that team that's achieved that, is phenomenal.
"Not many players can say they've done that, so credit to him. He deserves all the plaudits, absolutely. He's in good spirits as he always is.
"He was adamant he was meeting the players in Portugal to fly to Poland with them, which speaks volumes.
"He wanted to be with the squad as soon as possible. He's as humble as ever, he's met up with the group and he's been first class right away."
Wales face Poland in the Nations League on Wednesday before facing either Scotland or Ukraine for a place in the World Cup in Qatar.
Page suggested he will name a rotated side for the clash in Wroclaw, where Bale, Aaron Ramsey and Brennan Johnson will likely be rested, as Wales eye a first World Cup appearance since 1958.
"It's risk and reward," Page said on selection. "The biggest game we've got is on Sunday and that's no disrespect to Poland whatsoever.
"We're going to show them complete respect, but we'd be mad to jeopardise our top, top players."
Ancelotti hoping Madrid face 'extraordinary' Botafogo in Intercontinental Cup final
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti is hoping to meet Copa Libertadores winners Botafogo in the Intercontinental Cup final that takes place in December.
Botafogo beat Atletico Mineiro 3-1 to win their first title in the famous competition, despite seeing Gregore sent off inside 30 seconds for a high tackle on Fausto Vera.
Luiz Henrique and Alex Telles put Botafogo two goals in front before Eduardo Vargas reduced the deficit, only for Junior Santos to seal the win in second-half injury time.
The Intercontinental Cup, which takes place in Qatar at the end of this month, will see the champions of all six confederations square off for a chance to play Madrid in the final.
Botafogo will play CONCACAF champions Pachuca, with the winner of that encounter taking on the African-Asian-Pacific Cup winners, Al Ahly.
Los Blancos are already in the tournament's showpiece on December 18 after beating Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final, claiming their 15th title.
"I watched the match (Libertadores final) live and really enjoyed it," Ancelotti told a press conference.
"It was a fantastic atmosphere. I was mesmerised. An incredible first minute of the game, with that incredible flying kick (that earned Gregore a red card).
"Then the team's (Botafogo's) attitude and commitment were extraordinary. They played a fantastic match down to 10 men."
Ancelotti was also happy for Botafogo midfielder Allan, who he managed during his time in charge of Napoli and Everton.
The Italian is hoping for a reunion with his former player, saying: "I'm happy for Allan who won the Libertadores with Botafogo, which is a historic team in Brazilian football.
"For them to be able to finally win the Libertadores for the first time. Yes, I was delighted!
"I know they still have a couple of games to fight for and reach the (Intercontinental Cup) final but yes, it would be great if it's them against us."
But up first for Ancelotti and Madrid is a trip to the San Mames Barria to face Athletic Bilbao in LaLiga.
Madrid recovered from their loss to Liverpool in the Champions League in midweek by beating Getafe 2-0 on Sunday, with Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham on target.
That result moved Los Blancos to within a point of rivals Barcelona at the summit of the standings, with the luxury of having a game in hand over their Clasico rivals.
Ancelotti, however, has seen his side suffer several injuries this season, with the likes of Eduardo Camavinga, Vinicius Junior and Eder Militao all missing on Sunday.
But Ancelotti was able to provide a positive injury update on midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, who has missed the last four games in all competitions with an ankle injury.
"To have Aurelien back is really important because of his role, so versatile defensively, can play as a centre-back or holding midfielder," added the Italian.
"Also, his height is key for us while defending set pieces, an important aspect of the game in which we have suffered since Eder Militao went down."
Mbappe goal against Getafe provides 'relief' for Madrid boss Ancelotti
Carlo Ancelotti expressed his delight with forward Kylian Mbappe's performance during Real Madrid's 2-0 win over Getafe in LaLiga on Sunday.
Mbappe netted in consecutive top-flight games for the first time since September, eight minutes after Jude Bellingham's penalty had put Los Blancos in front.
The result moved Madrid to within a point of leaders Barcelona at the summit of the standings, with the luxury of a game in hand over their Clasico rivals.
Mbappe starred in the win, registering a team-high expected goals (xG) tally of 1.29 to Madrid's 2.58 total, while also having more shots on target (two) and touches in the opposition box (eight) than any of his team-mates.
This season, only Ante Budimir (six) has scored more home goals in LaLiga than the Frenchman (five - level with Raphinha, Vinicius Junior and Robert Lewandowski).
And Ancelotti was pleased with Mbappe's display after enduring a difficult outing during Madrid's 2-0 defeat to Liverpool in the Champions League on Wednesday.
"He was active, dangerous and scored a great goal, which was important to control the rest of the game. He was active and that's what we want from him," Ancelotti said.
"The fans understand better than anyone the moment of the team and the players. They supported Mbappe after Anfield because it was the right thing to do.
"Yes, a relief for everyone because it was a spectacular goal with fantastic execution," Ancelotti added when asked if it was a relief for Mbappe to score against Getafe.
The result saw Los Blancos extend their unbeaten home run against Getafe to 16 matches. Only against Racing de Santander (18 between 1952 & 1994) have they achieved a longer home winning streak in the competition.
Ancelotti was also without several of his first-team players on Sunday, with David Alaba, Eder Militao, Vinicius, Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga all missing.
It looked as though they had suffered another injury blow when goalscorer Bellingham was taken off at the break, though Ancelotti was confident it was nothing serious.
"Despite the difficulties, which are many because of all the injuries we are having, we are fighting and struggling," Ancelotti said.
"We have returned to playing with concentration, spirit and attitude and that reassures me and gives me confidence.
"Little by little we will solve the problems, but in the meantime we are fighting."
Madrid's next assignment comes in the shape of fourth placed Athletic Bilbao, who edged past Rayo Vallecano 2-1 on Sunday thanks to Oihan Sancet's brace.
Mbappe goal against Getafe 'a relief' for Real Madrid boss Ancelotti
Carlo Ancelotti expressed his delight with forward Kylian Mbappe's performance during Real Madrid's 2-0 win over Getafe in LaLiga on Sunday.
Mbappe netted in consecutive top-flight games for the first time since September, eight minutes after Jude Bellingham's penalty had put Los Blancos in front.
The result moved Madrid to within a point of leaders Barcelona at the summit of the standings, with the luxury of a game in hand over their Clasico rivals.
Mbappe starred in the win, registering a team-high expected goals (xG) tally of 1.29 to Madrid's 2.58 total, while also having more shots on target (two) and touches in the opposition box (eight) than any of his team-mates.
This season, only Ante Budimir (six) has scored more home goals in LaLiga than the Frenchman (five - level with Raphinha, Vinicius Junior and Robert Lewandowski).
And Ancelotti was pleased with Mbappe's display after enduring a difficult outing during Madrid's 2-0 defeat to Liverpool in the Champions League on Wednesday.
"He was active, dangerous and scored a great goal, which was important to control the rest of the game. He was active and that's what we want from him," Ancelotti said.
"The fans understand better than anyone the moment of the team and the players. They supported Mbappe after Anfield because it was the right thing to do.
"Yes, a relief for everyone because it was a spectacular goal with fantastic execution," Ancelotti added when asked if it was a relief for Mbappe to score against Getafe.
The result saw Los Blancos extend their unbeaten home run against Getafe to 16 matches. Only against Racing de Santander (18 between 1952 & 1994) have they achieved a longer home winning streak in the competition.
Ancelotti was also without several of his first-team players on Sunday, with David Alaba, Eder Militao, Vinicius, Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga all missing.
It looked as though they had suffered another injury blow when goalscorer Bellingham was taken off at the break, though Ancelotti was confident it was nothing serious.
"Despite the difficulties, which are many because of all the injuries we are having, we are fighting and struggling," Ancelotti said.
"We have returned to playing with concentration, spirit and attitude and that reassures me and gives me confidence.
"Little by little we will solve the problems, but in the meantime we are fighting."
Madrid's next assignment comes in the shape of fourth placed Athletic Bilbao, who edged past Rayo Vallecano 2-1 on Sunday thanks to Oihan Sancet's brace.
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