Gareth Bale Reacts to Real Madrid Critics After Champions League Semi-Final Loss

Gareth Bale suffered a disappointing night during Real Madrid's 1-1 Champions League semi-final second leg with Juventus, a score that eliminated Los Blancos 3-2 on aggregate. He missed several key chances but had a message for his doubters after the match: "What doesn't kill me makes me stronger."

Bale's season was summed up with an energetic yet ultimately fruitless night. He got himself into decent positions inside the box. He rose high to meet crosses and sprinted to the byline to try to turn provider, but ultimately, his final product was lacking.

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Jeers could be heard around the Bernabeu, but Bale was positive when reflecting on defeat.

His comments were reported by Pete Jenson of MailOnline: "I was unlucky not to grab one. I got a slight touch (in the back) and I couldn’t get over the ball. As long as I keep trying, usually one goes in. Unfortunately it didn't happen tonight."

The Welshman then described his season, per Jenson:

"

There have been some ups and downs but personally I think I’ve played well. I’ve maybe not scored as many important chances as I’d like but my general play has been good. My finishing is not as good and that’s something to work on for next year.

What doesn’t kill me makes me stronger and I’ll learn from this season and take it on.

"

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Squawka highlighted Bale's night:

Sky Sports pundit Thierry Henry believes the former Tottenham man waited for possession to reach him rather than being proactive, per Jenson. "He was very passive," said Henry. "He was reacting instead of acting. You cannot criticise him for not scoring but he has the capacity to ask for that ball, and demand it. He needs to be that guy."

Sports presenter Richard Keys defended Bale's performance:

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B/R UK's Andrew Gibney also suggested the 25-year-old may have been made a scapegoat:

Despite his penalty strike, Cristiano Ronaldo's performance should be considered more disappointing than Bale's. The Portuguese star is Madrid's designated match-winner, but he remained anonymous throughout the most important stage of the game, per OptaJoe:

B/R UK's Alex Dimond described Bale's night as "horrible," however:

Bale's future will now come under intense examination. He continues to be linked with a move to Manchester United, as reported by Sunday Express reporter John Richardson (h/t Jamie Sanderson of Metro), "who told MUTV that Bale to United is on." 

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It was difficult not to feel sorry for him during Wednesday's match. Bale's effort was obvious. Unfortunately, like the rest of his team-mates, he couldn't find a way through Massimiliano Allegri's organised defence from open play. This was not his worst performance of the season, but on such a big stage, missed chances are destined to leave an impression.

Still, Bale isn't willing to give up the fight, and as questions continue to be asked, he will look to make a positive impression in Madrid's final two La Liga games of the season.