Bale's Real Madrid career in goals
One can argue whether Bale has reached legend status at club level or if his injuries deprived him from being something more. But what’s not up for debate is the capability he had to appear in crucial moments and to score wonder goals that will stick forever in the minds of many football fans.
His goals are a big part of his legacy, having scored 40 for Wales, 106 for Real Madrid and 80 more combining his stints at Tottenham Hotspur, Southampton FC and Los Angeles FC.
Now that he’s decided to hang up his boots and probably dedicate a lot more time to his other passion, which is golf, let’s review his career at Real Madrid through some of his most relevant goals.
Debut vs Villarreal
You could sense Gareth Bale had the quality to become an important player for Madrid, and what better way to prove that than by scoring in his debut. Some familiar faces pop up in the video, with Dani Carvajal assisting and Carlo Ancelotti unimpressed by what’s going on. The match finished 2-2, but Bale was already hyping the fans.
A beauty vs Elche
This was a comfortable 3-0 win at home against Elche, but boy what a goal Bale scored at the Bernabéu in front of his fans. Cracking shot.
Copa del Rey solo run
His first season was likely his best at Real Madrid, scoring 22 goals and providing 17 assists. But most importantly, his goals had a decisive impact such as the one scored against F.C. Barcelona in the 85th minute to give Madrid their last Copa del Rey up until this day. Outstanding pace and explosiveness to demolish Marc Bartra and a subtle touch to put it past Pinto.
La décima
Atlético de Madrid were so, so close to winning their first ever Champions League. But Sergio Ramos and then Gareth Bale decided it was not to be. He proved, once again, that he was up for the toughest challenges and ready to strike.
Another final, another goal
Maybe it wasn’t the most important title for Real Madrid, but in that 14/15 season it was the only one they would go on to win. Bale once again had his say, this time in a FIFA Club World Cup final.
Semis vs Manchester City
To win their 11th UCL trophy, los blancos had a tough match up in the semifinals against Manchester City. It ended 0-0 in the first leg and 1-0 in the second leg thanks to Bale’s effort. It was awarded as an own goal to Fernando, but Bale deserves most of the credit.
A bicycle kick to remember
After a tough 16/17 campaign for Bale, the following season he returned to his very best scoring 21 goals. But none were better than the outstanding bicycle kick he put past Karius to guide Real Madrid to their 13th UCL title.
His last LaLiga goal
Curiously enough, his last LaLiga goal was against the same team he scored his first. It was Villarreal again and the match ended 2-2, again. In this occasion he scored two, the first one being very similar to his first at the club (Carvajal assist and Bale pushing it in). But his second to draw the game was quite a strike. (You’ll have to watch the goal on YouTube given LaLiga’s restrictions)