Bale delighted with ‘great night’

Bale put the hosts 2-0 up within half an hour in his first start at the Santiago Bernabeu. PHOTO

MADRID: Gareth Bale believes he is approaching his best form after scoring twice and providing two more goals as Real Madrid thrashed Sevilla 7-3.

Bale was making his first start at the Santiago Bernabeu and soon had his first home goal when he thumped in the opener on 13 minutes.

He then had a slice of luck 14 minutes later as his free-kick deflected in off Alberto Moreno for Real’s second.

Cristiano Ronaldo then went onto score a hat-trick and Karim Benzema twice, with Bale setting up a goal apiece for his strike partners as the 24-year-old completed the 90 minutes for the first time since joining the club last month.

“I felt good and completed the full game,” Bale told Real Madrid TV. “After not having a normal pre-season it is important to pick up rhythm to be able to give my best.

“It was a great night. Obviously I needed time to improve physically, but I am very happy to have played the 90 minutes. That is very important for my fitness.

“Now I need to keep improving and working hard to be at 100% as soon as possible.”

Victory moved Real back to within six points of Barcelona at the top of La Liga.

Bale’s performance was lauded by his coach Carlo Ancelotti, who believes his new star showed what he was truly capable of for the first time in a Madrid shirt.

“Tonight everyone saw the real Gareth,” he said. “He played really well, showing fantastic skills.”