8 moments that show Real Madrid can count on Gareth Bale

Bale's perfect hattrick

Bale's first match ball in Real Madrid colors

Not much of a story here, except the phenomenal first season Real's new signing was having in Spain. Bale was imperious in his showing against Real Valladolid, who were on the wrong end of a 4-0 thumping by a Real Madrid side propelled by their new import.

⏸ @GarethBale11🎩 His first #RealMadrid hat-trick 🗓 Liga 2013/14🆚 @realvalladolid MORE 👉 https://t.co/4GAHV6pwag pic.twitter.com/DGHDWNiedl

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) November 2, 2018

Most attackers can't wait to get their first goal out of the way at their new clubs, but getting hat-tricks at Real Madrid for a top-class attacker is as much a right of passage as first goals are elsewhere.

What makes it better was that it was not just Bale's first hattrick for Real, it was also a perfect hattrick. Not something he'd put in his resume, but it's still a feather in his cap. The Welsh icon was turning it up at the Bernabeu in a big way while the world was watching.