Gareth Bale vs. Rayo Vallecano: Goal Highlights and Reaction to Real Madrid Star

Gareth Bale struck four times for Real Madrid as his side ran riot against Rayo Vallecano in La Liga on Sunday, winning 10-2.

The Welshman completed his hat-trick in the 61st minute to give Los Blancos a 7-2 lead at the Bernabeu.

Bale opened his scoring with the fourth goal of the game, guiding home a brilliant header for 2-2:

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Video: Gareth Bale making it 2-2 after a great cross from Danilo. #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/lS3sHrdq3p

— BlancoEdition (@BlancoEdition) December 20, 2015"

His second came from a searing run and finish to give Real a two-goal cushion:

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Video: Gareth Bale making it 4-2. Great pass from James Rodriguez. #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/nYa7AsLzpe

— BlancoEdition (@BlancoEdition) December 20, 2015"

He completed his hat-trick with a tap-in shortly after the hour mark, grabbing a fourth just minutes later:

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VIDEO : Gareth Bale making it 7-2 and completing his hattrick! pic.twitter.com/tLsQ4sEaYP

— SocialRMadrid (@SocialRMadrid) December 20, 2015"

Bale's fourth was far too easy, as the Rayo defence capitulated: 

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VIDEO : Gareth Bale making it 8-2 and scoring his 4th goal of the game! pic.twitter.com/rsnyObKNWK

— SocialRMadrid (@SocialRMadrid) December 20, 2015"

Bleacher Report UK highlighted Bale's incredible effort leading Real to an amazing goalscoring performance:

It was a spectacular return to form for the Welsh superstar, as Real crushed their opponents with frightening ease. 

Clearly Bale was in high spirits at full time:

Incredibly, the visitors were actually in front in the Spanish capital before a spectacular collapse, per Bleacher Report UK:

Bale had been in need of a confidence boost after an inconsistent time in Madrid, but he showed his best form on Sunday with his stunning goal haul. 

Football writer Sid Lowe was shocked by what he witnessed at the game:

ESPN's Dermot Corrigan highlighted Bale's first-ever four-goal haul:

The attacker doubled his goal tally for the season in the match, and he now has eight strikes during the current campaign, according to WhoScored.com.

Real are chasing the tails of Barcelona and Atletico Madrid at the top of the Spanish league, and Bale and Co.'s efforts have boosted their goal difference. 

The win sees the Galacticos sit two points behind Barca, who do not play in La Liga this week due to their participation at the Club World Cup in Japan.