The Star Malaysia

I’m good without Ron

Bale ready to shine without Cristiano after sublime show in US tour

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LOS ANGELES: Gareth Bale is serving notice that he is ready to shine without Cristiano Ronaldo, factoring in both goals as Real Madrid wrapped up their US tour with a 2-1 win over Roma.

Bale and Marco Asensio scored for Real who put on a strong performanc­e especially in the first half of the Internatio­nal Champions Cup friendly at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Tuesday.

Real are hoping for Bale to be ready to fully evolve into the player they signed for a world record fee in 2013.

The 33-year-old Ronaldo ended a nine-year spell at Real by recently signing with Italian champions Juventus.

“We’re scoring goals and we’re winning matches, so we’re doing well,” Bale said.

“We have to keep improving and we’re really looking forward to starting the new season.”

Asensio, with his third goal of the preseason, opened the scoring just two minutes into the contest. Bale delivered a brilliant pass to the foot

Gareth Bale

of Asensio and he found the back of the net.

Real struck again in the 15th min- ute as Bale would score this time, taking an equally superb pass from Dani Carvajal. Bale walked in and beat goalkeeper Robin Olsen to make it 2-0.

Real weren’t nearly as dominant in the second half as most of their starting squad were subbed off.

Kevin Strootman made it interestin­g by scoring in the 83rd minute for Roma. Strootman was left wide open off a throw-in and headed pass and all he had to do was hammer it past the startled Real Madrid goalkeeper. — AFP

We’re scoring goals and we’re winning matches, so we’re doing well.

 ??  ?? You can’t catch me: Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale (centre) trying to control the ball against Roma midfielder Javier Pastore (left) and forward Patrik Schick during the second half of the Internatio­nal Champions Cup match on Tuesday. — AP
You can’t catch me: Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale (centre) trying to control the ball against Roma midfielder Javier Pastore (left) and forward Patrik Schick during the second half of the Internatio­nal Champions Cup match on Tuesday. — AP

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