Gareth Bale backed Vinicius Jr to be the star of the show in a comfortable Real Madrid win at Wembley.
The former Real star knows exactly what it takes to shine on European football’s biggest stage, having helped Los Blancos to five Champions League victories during his time at the club.
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Among them was a superb bicycle kick in the 2018 final against Liverpool in 2018, while he also found the net in the 2014 final against Atletico Madrid – a match they won 4-1.
In total, Bale has scored 16 goals and provided 14 assists in 57 Champions League appearances for Real Madrid, cementing himself as one of the modern-day favorites at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Now retired, Bale discussed Real Madrid’s chances of winning a 15th Champions League crown as they take on Borussia Dortmund at Wembley in an event for PlayStation.
He said: “I obviously think Real Madrid will win, and maybe comfortably.
“Just having been there so many times, having the experience in a team with older and younger players – it’s a very complete team and it’s hard to break them down.
“Football causes funny things to happen, so obviously you can never say never, but I think Real Madrid will pull through.”
Bale added: “My man of the match? Vinicius Jr.”
The Brazilian striker has been in stunning form this season, scoring 23 goals and providing 11 assists in 38 games and will certainly be one of the players to watch.
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Another will be Toni Kroos, who will make his final appearance in Real Madrid football following his decision to retire at the end of Euro 2024.
Bale spent eight years playing alongside the German legend and made almost 200 appearances in the same team as Kroos, leading the Welsh legend to praise him both as a player and as a person.
Bale said: “Above all, Toni is an extraordinary person.
“He’s a great player, obviously, what he’s achieved in his career speaks for itself.
“On a personal note, I would love to see him win the Champions League in style – he deserves to have that last game where he does that. I hope he is able to do that.
Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund will be live from Wembley Stadium on talkSPORT at 8pm
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