Gareth Bale sounded a defiant tone about his form after missing a string of chances in Real Madrids aggregate defeat to Juventus in the Champions League semi-final.
Bale has come in for repeated criticism in Spain and the critics were out in force again in the second half of Wednesdays 1-1 draw in the Spanish capital as Bale missed several opportunities.
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The result meant Madrids defence of their European Cup ended with a 3-2 aggregate defeat but while disappointed, Bale defended his own role.
There have been some ups and downs but personally I think Ive played well, he told Sky Sports of his season. Ive maybe not scored as many important chances as Id like but my general play has been good. My finishing is not as good and thats something to work on for next year. What doesnt kill me makes me stronger, and Ill learn from this season and take it on.
Max Allegri praises his Juventus side after earning a place in the Champions League final at the expense of Real Madrid.Bale had Madrids first chance of the night, heading over after just 35 seconds, and then nearly half a dozen efforts in the second half. But he never managed to test Gianluigi Buffon with a shot on target.
I was unlucky not to grab one, he said. As long as I keep trying, usually one goes in. Unfortunately it didnt happen tonight and you move on.
His best chance was a back-post header which he sent over from point-blank range. I got a slight touch [in the back] and I couldnt get over the ball, he said. Its one of those things that happen in football and you move on.
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Madrid took the lead on the night when Cristiano Ronaldo scored a first-half penalty, and continued to dominate, only to see Juve s****h an equaliser against the run of play through the former Madrid player lvaro Morata in the second half.
We wanted to be in the Champions League final, we gave ourselves a chance of winning but its not to be and we go again next year, Bale said. I think we always try to score as many as we can. It wasnt meant to be tonight but we played a good game.
The defeat all but ends Madrids season as they sit four points behind Barcelona with two games left in La Liga.
Its obviously disappointing and not what we wanted but weve still got a chance to win the league and well keep fighting until its mathematically impossible, Bale said. Thats all we can do.
Source: http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/may/13/gareth-bale-defiant-criticism-real-madrid-champions-league
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