Champions League final: Gareth Bale revels in ‘dream’ Real Madrid win

Real Madrid celebrate their Champions League winPhoto: Gareth Bale/Twitter

Gareth Bale reflected on a “dream” night after his extra-time goal sent Real Madrid on their way to victory over Atlético Madrid in Saturday’s Champions League final.

The Wales international, who moved to Los Blancos from Tottenham in a world-record £85.3m deal last summer, gave Real the lead in the 110th minute after Sergio Ramos’s last-gasp header cancelled out a first-half effort from Atlético’s Diego Godin.

"The most important thing is we worked hard as a team and won the trophy"
Gareth Bale

Marcelo and Cristiano Ronaldo then sealed a 10th European Cup success for Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid side in Lisbon.
“It is what every footballer dreams of and it doesn’t come bigger in club football,” said Bale.
“The celebration of the crowd meant everything to me, but the most important thing is we worked hard as a team and won the trophy and the 10th title for the club.”
The 24-year-old winger spurned three good chances to score before eventually finding the net with a header in extra time.
“I have learned from past experiences to keep going, forget the chances you have missed and to keep persevering and a chance will come,” he continued.
“It was a close game, especially in normal time. We have played Atlético Madrid four times this season and every game has been close.
“They make it very difficult when they get a goal ahead and it’s hard to break them down.”
Meanwhile, Real boss Ancelotti was full of praise for Bale, who has scored 15 goals and made 16 assists in 27 La Liga games this season.
“It [Bale's goal] was very important because he had tried before, but he was unlucky in front of goal,” said Ancelott. “He turned up when he was needed.
“All season Gareth has been good and he will be better next year.”