Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has sent out a warning to opposition by saying that Welsh winger Gareth Bale still has a long way to go to achieve his peak. The 24-year-old scored the crucial goal in the Champions League final against Atletico Madrid to set his team on the path towards victory. This was the 10th European cup for Real Madrid and hence it was extremely special. In just one goal, Bale has gone a long way towards writing itself into the history books of Madrid. Despite costing £ 85 million last summer, he is proving to be a bargain with his goals and assists.

The incredible energy of the winger has already come to the fore earlier in the season, when he ran through the entire length of the pitch, towards the end of the match to help Real Madrid win the Copa del Rey against Barcelona. He almost managed a repeat of the same against Atletico after yet another breakaway goal. His pace and skills have been extremely important in Ancelotti sticking with the counter-attacking style of football that paid rich dividends under José Mourinho.

Despite already scoring a number of crucial goals in the season, Ancelotti reckons that the player still has a long way to go but he is one of the best talents. “All season Gareth has been good and he will be better next year,” said Ancelotti after the match. “It was very important because he had tried before, but he was unlucky in front of goal. But he turned up when he was needed. We’re very proud of having won this for all Madrid fans,” continued the Italian. The goal against Atletico was his 22nd of the season for Bale, who easily overshadowed Cristiano Ronaldo by going close on several occasions during the match.