Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale says the club is going in the right direction and will be ready for the new campaign after beating Premier League big spenders Manchester City in Melbourne.
Goals from Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo, Pepe and Denis Cheryshev handed Madrid an emphatic 4-1 win over the Citizens in front of 99,328 fans at the MCG – a record attendance for a football game at the iconic stadium. Ex-Barcelona man Yaya Toure got City’s consolation goal.
Welshman Bale has been in good form for Madrid in their two games in pre-season so far, and is looking to put last season’s woes behind him after being heavily criticised by fans and media alike.
Speaking on the pitch after the game, the 25-year-old said he’s happy with how the preparations are going.
“Beating a side like Manchester City is a step in the right direction, but it is not the most important thing right now. We have to keep working and training to prepare well for the season,” he commented.
He then went on to praise the fans in Australia, saying the Madrid players have had a great time Down Under. Los Blancos now move on to China for the next leg of their tour.
“The fans in Australia have been marvellous and it was a pleasure to be here in a stadium with so many people,” Bale stated.
