Key words: Gareth Bale, Real Madrid, Rayo Vallecano, Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo
It seems Gareth Bale has won over the ruthless Spanish newspaper industry. Only a few days ago, the world's most expensive player was being written off as "irrelevant" and the "worst performer in the Real Madrid side". But four assists in four days in two matches recently have ensured a transformation.
Two beautifully weighted crosses, first for Karim Benzema, then Cristiano Ronaldo, provided the foundation for another Real Madrid victory but there was also a tough La Liga lesson for the world's most expensive player in the humble surrounds of the Estadio de Vallecas on Saturday night.
In the end of the match, Rayo were desperately unfortunate not to draw some reward. Undaunted at falling three goals behind early in the second half, they struck back with two penalties from Jonathan Viera in the space of three minutes and, maintaining a fluid, attack-minded game, ran Real ragged for the final half hour.
Real coach Ancelotti said, in the first half Real scored two fantastic goals and had control but in the second half was a disaster and it is something they have to talk about in the dressing room.
After this match, Bale has silenced all of his doubters. He is one of Real Madrid's best players once again in the clash with Rayo Vallecano. He provided two assists, the first with his right foot and the second with his left, and both after two good individual pieces of play. Now Bale has provided four assists and scored three goals, giving him some excellent figures in light of the problems which he had at the start of the season.
