Bale begins to silence the boos
MADRID — Gareth Bale believes he can still win over the Real Madrid faithful after silencing his critics with a sensational solo goal to seal a vital 3-1 win at Real Sociedad on Sunday.
Bale was jeered by his own fans in Madrid’s 3-0 Champions League win over APOEL Nicosia in midweek after an underwhelming start to the season, particularly in Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence due to a five-game suspension.
The Welshman failed to find the net as Real dropped points at home to Valencia and Levante to allow Barcelona to open up a four-point lead atop La Liga.
But Bale helped Madrid get back to winning ways in impressive style by ending Sociedad’s 100-percent start to the season.
“It’s normal, it happens in football,” Bale told Spanish TV station Movistar of the criticism that has come his way.
“For me, obviously I just have to try to keep my head down and keep working hard. That’s all I can do.
“I can’t control what goes on, I can only control how hard I work on the pitch.
“You go through ups and downs in your career, but it is how you bounce back.”
Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane believes Bale’s strike can be a turning point in his season.
Bale used his electric pace to burst past Kevin Rodrigues before chipping the ball over the advancing Geronimo Rulli.
“He needed to score a goal and in this manner. After a run of 60 meters, technically he finished it very well,” said Zidane.
However, the Frenchman said Bale, who joined Madrid for a then world-record fee in 2013, can still do much more to impress.
“I am happy for him, but for me he is still not at his best. Little by little we are going to discover the best of Gareth,” said Zidane.
“Today he played great, but I know he can do much more.”
Despite his struggles of late, Bale has always shone at Sociedad’s Anoeta arena as he added to his tally of six goals in five games in San Sebastian.
“It’s great to always score, but the most important thing was to get the three points for the team, get back on track and get back to winning ways,” he said.
Victory lifted Real up to fourth and ensured it remains just four points back of Barca, which had temporarily extended its lead to seven by winning at Getafe on Saturday.