Gareth Bale goes from zero to hero after sensational display in Real Madrid's 3-2 win at Rayo Vallecano

£86m Welshman has made four assists in his last two matches

James Orr
Sunday 03 November 2013 15:50 GMT
Comments
Cristiano Ronaldo (right) celebrates with Gareth Bale, who created his second goal in the 3-2 win at Rayo Vallecano on Saturday
Cristiano Ronaldo (right) celebrates with Gareth Bale, who created his second goal in the 3-2 win at Rayo Vallecano on Saturday (GETTY IMAGES)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

From being described as “the worst player” in last weekend’s El Clasico, to being labelled as a diver after Real Madrid’s 7-3 thrashing of Sevilla in the week - despite creating two goals and scoring twice in the match - it now appears Gareth Bale is finally winning over his critics in Spain.

After making two assists in Real Madrid’s 3-2 win at Rayo Vallecano, bringing his total to four assists in three days, Madrid-based newspaper Marca, who had been one of the £86m Welshman’s harshest critics after the 2-1 loss at Barcelona last weekend, wrote: “Gareth Bale has silenced all of his doubters over the past three days. The Welshman was one of Real Madrid's best players once again in the clash with Rayo Vallecano.”

Bale provided a goal each for Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo in the victory, and Marca has hailed Real’s attacking intent with the three players linking up so well.

“The Ronaldo-Benzema-Bale trident worked a treat again in Vallecas. Bale proved once again that he is a great partner for the Frenchman and the Portuguese.”

AS, meanwhile, could not work out whether the 24-year-old, who usually plays on the left wing, was right or left footed, after he delivered an inch-perfect cross with his right foot for Benzema's headed goal. “If Bale really is right-footed, which we can’t rule out, then his signing has been a bargain. Three of the four assists he has made in Madrid’s last two outings have come from his right foot.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in