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Gareth Bale joined Real Madrid nearly three years ago with one goal in mind: To win Champions League titles.
"The reason I came to Real Madrid was to win Champions Leagues. I've got one already and I have got another chance to win another."
Notice, Bale specifically said "Champions Leagues." He's clearly not content with solely being a part of La Décima and proved in the second leg against Manchester City that he'll do whatever it takes to claim La Undécima.
The Welshman performed like a work horse and once again shined in the shadows of Cristiano Ronaldo. All eyes fixated on Ronaldo as he returned from an injury, giving off the impression that he'd rescue Real Madrid heroically. The Portuguese played and looked sharp, but he failed to make the decisive difference while his counterpart capitalized early on.
Bale's 5th goal in his last 5 games (all comps) gives Real Madrid the lead against Man City. @HeinekenSoccer #UCL https://t.co/gSG757PlGJ
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) May 4, 2016
The Welshman held his line superbly and thanks to Nicolas Otamendi's mental lapse, Bale found himself in an incredibly threatening position. His supreme instincts kicked in as he took once glance toward the mixer before flicking a lofted cross over Joe Hart.
Fortunately Fernando committed to the slide tickle and slightly redirected the intended cross into the upper 90. Neither the Madridistas nor Bale cared how the ball found the net.
"It doesn't matter who scores or whether it's an own goal or not, the main thing is we have a chance to win the Champions League again."
Most importantly, Bale is turning a corner in the Spanish capital. He performed all-around superbly in the second leg and was a menace on the front foot. After his first, he nearly doubled his tally with a header that ultimately bounced off the underside of the bar. He was a force throughout the match and refused to lose the ball as he showed off his dribbling skills on numerous occasions.
Galacticos produce in key moments, and Bale showed he's certainly one of them.