Bale crowned ‘Prince of Goals’ after Real treble
Print Edition
Real Madrid’s record signing Gareth Bale was hailed as the “Prince of Goals” after his hat-trick and assist in Saturday’s 4-0 La Liga win at home to Real Valladolid.
With prolific Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo sidelined by injury, Bale stepped up to net his first treble since his 100-million euro (US$136 million) move from Tottenham Hotspur and coach Carlo Ancelotti suggested the Wales winger’s adaptation period was over.
“He is in good shape, he is confident and he is a very important player for us,” Ancelotti told a news conference.
Bale’s preseason preparations were disrupted by the protracted negotiations over his transfer and he then picked up a minor muscle strain but now appears to be back to full fitness and eager to impress the Real faithful.
Saturday’s haul was a so-called “perfect hat-trick” — a header and a goal scored with each foot — and was only the second La Liga treble by a Briton after Gary Lineker’s for Barcelona in 1987.
Sports daily As acclaimed Bale on its front page yesterday as “Prince of Wales” (Principe de Gales), while rival newspaper Marca went for the headline “Prince of Goals” (Principe de Goles).
“It is always a pleasure to score but even more when you are able to score a hat-trick at the Santiago Bernabeu,” Bale told reporters after grabbing a match ball and soaking up a post-match ovation from the Real faithful.
“I am very happy here,” added the 24-year-old. “I needed time to adapt after not having a proper preseason but now I am improving. I want to continue improving and working hard in the matches and in training and learn from the best like Cristiano Ronaldo.”
Bale still has some way to go to match Ronaldo’s incredible goal-scoring feats and the former Manchester United forward remains the undisputed king of the dressing room. The 28-year-old has netted 14 goals in his last seven appearances for club and country and is favorite to scoop the FIFA Ballon d’Or award ahead of Lionel Messi and Franck Ribery when the winner is announced next month.
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