Gareth Bale remarked on his continued focus to reach peak condition, and on an apparent dive during Real Madrid’s win over Sevilla.
The 24-year-old marked his first start for Los Blancos in Week 11 with the first two goals in an eventual 7-3 victory against Los Nervionenses.
“Right now I have to keep getting better and work hard and I'll try to be 100 per cent as soon as possible,” reflected Bale post-match, in reference to recent doubts over his fitness.
“I felt good and I played the whole match. After not having a normal pre-season, it's important for me to pace myself so I can give my best. It's been a great night.
“I obviously needed time to improve physically, but I'm very pleased to have played 90 minutes. It's been important for my fitness level.
“We played very well tonight and hopefully we'll have more matches like this in the future.
“It was a crazy game, but we got the three points and to participate in a game like that felt good.
“I’m happy for the win. Now I must be patient and I hope to keep improving.”
The Welshman saw a second-half penalty appeal fall on deaf ears, whilst replays suggested that he had received no contact from defenders nearby.
“I have felt that I have been touched. I'm not a player that looks for contact and that's why I fell.”
