Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso has praised the match winner from summer signing Gareth Bale by saying that it was one of the best goals he has seen this season. Gareth Bale was signed by Real Madrid from Tottenham for an astonishing transfer fee of £ 85 million, thus making him the most expensive player in the world. Due to this fee, the media have been constantly comparing him with the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. For most of the season, Bale has been overshadowed by Ronaldo at Real Madrid.
However, for the first time, he had the opportunity to step out of the shadows of the Portuguese superstar after being taken up in the starting line-up for the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona. Ronaldo, meanwhile, was missing from the squad due to a hamstring injury and he is expected to be so for the next few matches at least. Bale grabbed the opportunity with both hands after scoring the winner with only a few minutes remaining. Angel di Maria had earlier given Real Madrid the lead with a brilliant counter-attack before Batra equalised for Barcelona in the second half.
However, a bursting run for the entire length of the pitch saw Bale scored incredible goal in the closing minutes of the match to get Madrid the win in the tournament.
“It was incredible, I have never seen anything like it. It looked like the ball was going out, but he kept pushing and ran off the field to get it. It was amazing,” said Alonso after the match. Even opposition manager Martino awards in praise of the goal. “It is difficult to see a player sprint like that at that stage of the game. Obviously this is not a good moment. It has been a hard week on all fronts,” said Martino.