Despite having scored 19 goals and made 15 assists during the opening eight months of his Real Madrid career before Wednesday's Copa del Rey final against Barcelona, it would not be implausible to suggest that Gareth Bale had yet to truly fulfil his potential following his world record move from Tottenham Hotspur.

In the Spanish capital, silverware is not only the sole currency accepted by the Madridistas but also represents the route to attaining their affection. Furthermore, success must be accompanied by style, panache and entertainment. It's easy to fall short.

But after stealing the show with stunning solo goal and slaying Barcelona in the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, Bale has now captured Real hearts after claiming the first major trophy of the season and dismissed any questions regarding the transition from Tottenham.

After two insipid displays against Barca in the La Liga defeats to the Catalans, and with Ronaldo injury-stricken, Bale was under intense pressure to spearhead Carlos Ancelotti's side assault on a 19th Spanish Cup.

From the early minutes at the Mestalla it appeared the added responsibility would inspire Bale as the Welshman flashed a shot wide of Jose Pinto's goal before Javier Mascherano's block denied him in the box in the first half.

Aside from what would follow, Bale's involvement in first goal inside 11 minutes provides enough evidence to suggest he has settled with Los Blancos, moving the ball on with pace and verve to Karim Benzema before the Frenchman put the opener on a plate for Angel di Maria.

As Barcelona's possession improved, Bale became a greater threat and after Marc Bartra equalised, Bale almost got on the score sheet himself only for Pinto to come to the rescue at the near post.

After 85 minutes, and with extra time looming, came the defining moment of Bale's Madrid career thus far.

Isco and Fabio Coentrao combined in the left back position to find the 24 year old on the half-way line. Having drawn the advance from Bartra, Bale kicked on like a Welsh half-back. Amid the Barcelona defender's desperate attempts to clean him out on the near touchline, the winger turned momentarily from footballer to Formula 1 car, ghosting through on goal before a deft finish beat the hapless Pinto.

The fusing of varying sporting images saw in the space of eight seconds Bale go from Madrid also-ran to golden Galactico. His named etched in history and more importantly, in memories of those who witnessed it.

"It was a perfect night," Bale aptly described the stage of his first major honour at Madrid. "It is great to win trophies and I am very happy to have won my first title with Real Madrid.

"I had to run, Bartra pushed me and tried to block me but he couldn't. I had to get around him. It was great to score the goal but better to win the match and the cup."

Diplomatic off the pitch while destructive on it. Bale has orchestrated the ideal opening campaign in Spanish football since joining from Tottenham and regardless of what happens in the La Liga title race and the Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich, has more than proved his worth as the world's most expensive player. More to follow.

Tottenham Hotspur FC