Spanish media significantly change tune over 'Cardiff Express' Gareth Bale and state 'wounds are closed with commitment'
It comes after Bale netted a hat-trick in Wales' World Cup qualifying win over Belarus
"Gareth Bale put in a massive performance for his national team as they got the better of Belarus," they wrote, before going on to describe Bale's three strikes.
By Ian Mitchelmore
Monday 6th September 2021
Gareth Bale took his goal tally for Wales to 36 with a stunning hat-trick against Belarus.
The captain netted two goals from the penalty spot in Kazan before firing home in the third minute of injury time at Central Stadium to earn Rob Page's men a dramatic 3-2 triumph in their latest World Cup qualifier.
Bale's first strike in Russia brought an end to his run of 16 matches without a goal for his country - a sequence that dated back to his leveller against Croatia in October 2019.
His efforts also meant Wales came from behind to win a match for the first time since their famous 3-1 triumph over Belgium in the quarter-finals of Euro 2016.
And after a promising start to the 2021/22 campaign, the Spanish media believe their is real hope that Bale can revive his Real Madrid career having fallen out of favour at the club under former boss Zinedine Zidane.
"Since that memorable goal in Kiev, the Cardiff Express only dresses in dress code when playing for the national team," wrote AS.
"Wherever the 18th hole is, the number 18 should be removed... But [Carlo] Ancelotti is like a second father for the Briton and it seems that he has re-enlisted him for the Madrid cause. His attitude is what we all wanted to see.
"In Kazan we saw a Bale again, plugged in as if his life depended on it."
They went on to add: "On Sunday he returns to the Bernabéu, where he has not appeared since March 1, 2020.
"He returns as a starter. The Bernabéu will lend him a hand if he shows his Welsh version.
"Wounds are closed with commitment. And goals."
Read Madrid's official website also paid tribute to the Welshman's efforts in Russia.
"Gareth Bale put in a massive performance for his national team as they got the better of Belarus," they wrote, before going on to describe Bale's three strikes.
Bale's current contract with the Spanish giants expires next summer.
Wales return to action against Estonia at Cardiff City Stadium on Wednesday night. Kick-off is at 7:45pm.
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