Beiruting News

Gareth Bale's stunning individual goal five minutes from time won the Copa del Rey final for Real Madrid at the expense of arch-rivals Barcelona.

Former Tottenham star Bale had been accused of not delivering in Madrid's big matches since arriving at the Bernabeu in a world record £85m switch last summer.

But, without the injured Cristiano Ronaldo alongside him, the 24-year-old took centre stage with a moment of inspiration which swung a delicately-balanced final in favour of Carlo Ancelotti's side at a crucial stage.

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi, a largely anonymous figure, lost possession in the Madrid penalty area before Fabio Coentrao launched the attack with a long ball down the left touchline towards Bale.