Bale admits to rustiness after recording unwanted four-year first in Tottenham triumph

Tottenham star Gareth Bale said he is still working his way back to full match fitness after struggling to make an impact in the Europa League victory over LASK.

Bale made his second full debut for Tottenham after leaving Spurs for Real Madrid in 2013 and the 31-year-old loanee played a role in the opening goal of Thursday’s 3-0 win.

A second-half substitute against West Ham in the Premier League over the weekend, Bale forced an own goal in the 28th minute but the Welshman recorded an unwanted four-year first.

It was the first time Bale started a club match and not had either a shot or create chance for his team-mates since November 2016 for Madrid – his 78th start since then, per Opta.

0 – Tonight against LASK was the first time Gareth Bale has started a club match and not had either a shot or created a chance for his teammates since November 2016 for Real Madrid vs Sporting CP – tonight was his 78th start since then. Subdued. #UEL pic.twitter.com/0dIP2zxgwV

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) October 22, 2020

“We know these games are important. We went out there and did a great job. It wasn’t our best performance but we were solid and most important is the three points,” Bale told BT Sport as he reflected on the Group J match and his performance.

“I am a bit stiff. It is like a mini pre-season for me and I am trying to get minutes into the legs.

“Hopefully it won’t take me long to get back up to full speed and I am enjoying being on the pitch and being back at this amazing club.”

Tottenham have won 11 of their last 12 home Europa League group-stage fixtures, drawing once.

Spurs have also scored 31 goals in all competitions this season – five more than any other Premier League side.

On being back at Tottenham, Bale – who struggled for game time at LaLiga giants Madrid in recent years – added: “It is amazing. It is a big reason why I play well and why I came back. You want to be loved and appreciated. I will give everything for this shirt.

“This is a great squad that has a lot of depth, hopefully we can use that to our advantage. It is always good to have competition to keep you on your toes.”