5 best El Clasico performances of the 21st century
2. Bale scores solo goal to win Copa del Rey for Real Madrid
When Gareth Bale signed for Real Madrid in the summer of 2013 many eyebrows were raised and although he became the most expensive player in the world not everyone was convinced.
It’s very uncommon for homegrown players to move away from the Premier League but Gareth Bale took a very big and courageous step in moving to Los Blancos. The Welshman could have signed for anyone in the Premier League but it was Real Madrid that caught his eye.
The most difficult thing for a British-born player moving to a foreign league is trying to gain acceptance from his teammates and also the club’s fans. They have to learn a new language and integrate into a new society and culture which they’re not accustomed to.
That is enough to put most British players off a move abroad but Bale knew he could make it work. He started his Real Madrid career off well but the fans never really took to him despite his obvious talent.
What didn’t help Bale is that Real Madrid were only allowed to have one star and that was Cristiano Ronaldo. So what better time to really make a name for yourself than in a game in which Ronaldo wasn’t able to feature?
That’s exactly what Gareth Bale did in the final of the 2014 Copa del Rey final when Ronaldo was sidelined with an injury. The game was very tight and the score was locked at 1-1 when Gareth Bale came up with a truly sublime piece of play.
Bale’s unbelievable show of athleticism showed why he cost Real Madrid so much money. The Welshman received the ball near the halfway line and then proceeded to lay down the foot-race gauntlet to Marc Bartra as he pushed the ball past him.
Bartra tried his utmost to foul Bale off the pitch but the Welshman burned the defender for pace and left him in his wake only to poke the ball past Barcelona’s keeper, Pinto, and win the final for Madrid.
Not only did Real fans warm to Gareth Bale after this goal but the injured Ronaldo showed his appreciation for the Welshman by running down the touchline to celebrate with his teammate.