Real Madrid 3-1 Liverpool: 5 Talking Points from the Champions League Final

#3 Gareth Bale should have started instead of Isco

Gareth Bale came on and scored immediately

When Zidane announced his lineup, it was clear that he wasn't going to deploy a 4-3-3. Gareth Bale was benched and Isco started in his place in what has been their customary 4-1-2-1-2 formation this season with the Spaniard playing on the tip of a midfield diamond.

However, Isco never really managed to make an impact in attack - especially in the first half. He rarely had time on the ball and made himself useful only when he dropped deep to help Real escape Liverpool's press by giving his side a numerical advantage in midfield.

His only meaningful contribution came in the second half when he pounced on a Liverpool error that saw his snap-shot come off the crossbar. Zidane hooked him off in the 60th minute as Bale came on in his place.

The Welshman needed less than three minutes to make an impact. A player for the big occasion, Bale scored one of the greatest goals in Champions League finals with a bicycle kick from Marcelo's cross to give Real the lead.

It may not rival Ronaldo's goal against Juventus but it is its impact that makes it so memorable. Zidane, who has scored a stunner for Real in a final himself, had the exact same reaction to Bale's goal as he did for Ronaldo's in Turin.

He did not stop there. He would later strike the ball from 30 yards out after Liverpool failed to close him down and score after Karius failed to stop the shot.

How many times has Bale come good in a final for Real? Don't bother keeping a count.