Gareth Bale put in a stellar performance to guide Real Madrid past Sevilla, silencing the critics that he had received due to his poor start of the season. The Welshman scored a brace and provided two assists to lead Los Blancos emphatic win at Santiago Bernabeu.
Cristiano Ronaldo also had a brilliant night, scoring a hat-trick and responding to FIFA’s president Joseph Blatter’s mockery on him.
Bale put Los Merengues ahead in the 14th minute after receiving a pass from Karim Benzema in the far post and rifling a strike into the top left corner.
The pair had a good connection, and just two minutes later Bale could have doubled it after exchanging a one-two with the Frenchman. Sevilla’s goalkeeper Beto denied his effort. And again the two forwards connected in the 21st minute, but the Welshman’s shot went a few centimetres north of the crossbar.
However, Bale wouldn’t miss his third chance when he took Cristiano Ronaldo’s place to shoot a free kick. His powerful strike deflected of Alberto Moreno and ended up in the back of the net.
Sevilla’s defender didn’t have his best night, as he hauled down Isco inside the box, conceding Ronaldo a penalty to make it 3-0.
When the game seemed to be decided, Figueiras went down after a challenge from Marcelo and the referee pointed to the penalty spot in a very controversial decision. Ivan Rakitic shortened the differences, and only two minutes later Carlos Bacca made Sevilla believe in the come-back after picking up a pass from Jairo and netting it from eight metres.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick
The Andalusians’ expectations changed drastically when Benzema scored the fourth goal in a counter-attack slotting a superb cross by Bale. The Welshman was decisive to seal the victory when he dribbled three defenders to reach the goal line and assisted Ronaldo, who scored easily from two metres.
Rakitic made it 5-3 with a delightful curled left-footed shot from the corner of the area, but it was just a consolation goal before Ronaldo scored his third. The Croatian missed a penalty Mbia was sent off, leaving free way for Santiago Bernabeu’s joy.
Benzema closed the goal party with a brilliant header in the 80th minute. Los Blancos remain third in the table, six points behind the leader Barcelona.
Well, that was quick.
Yeah, great match and an spectacular performance by Bale. Glad he’s finally adapting to the situation and critics can shut the hell up now. Barca, Here we come! Hala Madrid.