MADRID, SPAIN - OCTOBER 18: Gareth Bale of Real Madrid celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the UEFA Champions League Group F match between Real Madrid CF and Legia Warszawa at Bernabeu on October 18, 2016 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)
Gareth Bale became the fastest Champions League goal-scorer in Real Madrid’s history Wednesday, finding the net with a spectacular volley to open scoring for his team in the Spanish club’s 3-3 road tie with Legia Warsaw.
The goal was a fantastic way for the 27-year-old Welsh winger to celebrate his new deal with Real, a six-year, £18million-a-year ($22.42 million) contract he inked earlier this week.
Cristiano Ronaldo headed the ball to Bale, who– after letting the ball bounce once– fired a left-footed volley from just outside the penalty box.
Goalkeeper Arkadiusz Malarz was left with no chance as the ball sailed into the top corner.
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The goal marked the first time Bale has scored in consecutive Champions League games in the same season since November 2013, after netting the opener in the reverse game against Legia on Oct. 19.
Bale also assisted on Real’s second goal, which was scored by Karim Benzema. The Welshman now has 14 goals in 43 career Champions League games.
Mateo Kovacic scored Real’s final goal, a late strike. Vadis Odjidja-Ofoe, Miroslav Radovic and Thibaut Moulin scored Legia’s goals.
The match was played in an empty stadium after UEFA punished the Polish team following a clash between Legia fans and police before last month’s game in Madrid.
Legia fans also caused trouble during the team’s 6-0 loss to Borussia Dortmund in September, when they were seen attempting to attack away supporters. They were also charged with setting off fireworks and throwing objects.
With the tie, Real now trails first-place Borussia Dortmund in Group F.
Real Madrid will next host Leganes in Sunday’s La Liga match. Legia will host Kravovia in the Ekstraklasa Polish league that same day.
MADRID, SPAIN – OCTOBER 18: Gareth Bale of Real Madrid celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the UEFA Champions League Group F match between Real Madrid CF and Legia Warszawa at Bernabeu on October 18, 2016 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)
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