Gareth Bale Scores In His Debut by Jeff Graceffo

After four months of rumors and gossip, Gareth Bale made his Real Madrid debut against Villareal on Saturday. It wasn't the best performance of his career, but he left a sizable impression. He started out of his normal position on the right wing, opposite Cristiano Ronaldo. Despite the new position, he showed flashes of brilliance. Throughout the first twenty minutes, Madrid mostly played the ball down
Ronaldo's left flank, but on the few occasions that Bale touched the ball he didn't make a mistake. He scored his first goal on a one touch run through the box. It was a better setup than a goal, but nonetheless he put Madrid on the board. In the second half, he had two brilliant runs, which showed the world what he's capable of and struck fear in the hearts of the entire league.  He exited the game in the 60th minute lacking full fitness, while leaving the world wanting more.

Although Madrid left Villareal with their winning streak shattered, they still earned a draw in the first game of the Bale era.  For their first game together it was a decent performance. As Bale gains fitness, and the team gels together they will get better and better. I can't wait to watch them once the new year begins and the Champions League group stages commence.

By Jeff Graceffo