Gareth Bale reminded everyone that he has a "knack" for scoring in finals after coming up trumps for LAFC as they dramatically won the MLS Cup.
The 33-year-old Welshman, who joined the Los Angeles-based club in July, scored a spectacular equaliser in added time of extra-time to take Philadelphia Union to penalties. His side went on to comfortably win the shootout 3-0 and claim their first ever MLS Cup victory, much thanks to Bale's brilliance after being brought on as a substitute midway through extra-time.
In the 128th minute, the former Real Madrid and Tottenham star produced a phenomenal leap and met teammate Diego Palacios' inviting cross before powering home an emphatic header to make it 3-3. Before Bale's stunning leveller, LAFC had been reduced to 10 men and went behind shortly after Maxime Crepeau's straight red card.
It's not the first time that Bale has had a say on the biggest occasion, having come up with the goods for Real Madrid in multiple Champions League and Copa del Rey finals earlier in his trophy-laden career. "It's nice, it's always nice to score in finals," the Cardiff-born sensation said after his latest triumph.
"I seem to have a knack for doing it! It's big. It's important for the club and important for the fans. We were down to 10 men, not really looking like we were going to get anything out of the game. Credit to everybody to keep pushing and fighting. It was nice to get the goal to help the team. Where it ranks? I'm not too sure but it's a great feeling!"
In a post-match press conference, during which Bale was doused in champagne by two of his jubilant teammates, he added: "It's special. The reason why I came here was to try to help the club win a trophy and to win the MLS Cup. Obviously, they've come close in the past but never got to the final and won it."
Now, the Wales captain's focus will be on delivering for his country at the World Cup in Qatar later this month. Rob Page's men head to the Middle East without a win from their last five games, so they'll need Bale - who only played a bit-part role in LAFC's campaign due to fitness concerns - on top form in order to progress from a group which contains England, the United States and Iran.
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While it may be Bale's one and only World Cup appearance, he still hopes to be representing his nation when the next European Championships are held in Germany in 2024. "I haven't come here to be here for six months, 12 months," Bale stated in July, having penned a one-year deal in Los Angeles.
"I've come here to try to be here as long as possible. I want to do as well as I can, make my mark on this league, this team. I'm looking forward to the future, it's not a short thing. It also gives me the best opportunity to keep going to the next Euros, maybe further, so my plan is to really work hard."
