Bale begins to silence the boos

MADRID - Gareth Bale believes he can still win over the Real Madrid faithful after silencing his critics with a sensational solo goal to seal a vital 3-1 win at Real Sociedad on Sunday.

Bale was jeered by his own fans in Madrid's 3-0 Champions League win over APOEL Nicosia in midweek after an underwhelming start to the season, particularly in Cristiano Ronaldo's absence due to a five-game suspension.

The Welshman failed to find the net as Real dropped points at home to Valencia and Levante to allow Barcelona to open up a four-point lead atop La Liga.