Tottenham Hotspur manager Jose Mourinho says he is looking forward to seeing how Real Madrid react after Gareth Bale scored the winner in Sunday's 2-1 victory against Brighton & Hove Albion, his first goal since returning to the Premier League.
Bale left Spurs to join Real seven years ago but returned to the north London club on a season-long loan.
The Welsh forward won four Champions League titles and two La Liga crowns with Real, but divided opinion in Spain because of a perceived lack of commitment and poor injury record.
"I am pleased for him because he deserved the goal. When I have five minutes I am going to Safari to look at Madrid's website to see what they say," Mourinho told reporters.
"He knows we care about him and we know he cares about us, the team and the club, Spurs. He's the perfect fit, he's very calm, very intelligent, he has good feelings."
Bale came off the bench to head the winner.
The Welshman was brought on in the 70th minute and three minutes later he met a Sergio Reguilon cross with a firm and well-directed header to restore Tottenham's lead.
Harry Kane had put Spurs ahead in the 13th minute from the penalty spot after Adam Lallana was ruled to have fouled him as he climbed for a header.
Brighton responded with a long spell of good possession football as Spurs failed to drive home their advantage and Graham Potter's side drew level in the 56th minute.
Tariq Lamptey drove into the far, bottom corner after being set up by Pascal Gross at the end of a clever move from Brighton but the VAR official asked referee Graham Scott to look at a challenge on Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg by Solly March.
Spurs felt that Marsh had fouled the Dane but Scott ruled the challenge was fair and the goal stood.
Tottenham then struck the post twice, firstly a drive from the edge of the box from Erik Lamela and then a close-range effort from a tight angle by Kane.
Then came Bale's winner as Spurs moved above Everton in the standings into second place on 14 points, two behind leaders Liverpool.
Bale has yet to start in the Premier League for Spurs as he works his way back to full match fitness and was delighted to have got off the mark.
"It's a great feeling. You just want to come on and do a job for the team. I worked for the team and was lucky enough to get the goal," he said.
But Bale was wary of the suggestion that Spurs could be in a position to compete for the title this season.
"(We are) very competitive, we know not to get too carried away. There are some great teams, we are just going to keep working as hard as we can," he said.
Spurs face Bulgaria's Ludogorets in the Europa League on Thursday before a Premier League clash against West Bromwich Albion on Sunday.
- Reuters
Mourinho aims dig at Real after Bale's first goal back at Spurs
Image: REUTERS/Julian Finney
Tottenham Hotspur manager Jose Mourinho says he is looking forward to seeing how Real Madrid react after Gareth Bale scored the winner in Sunday's 2-1 victory against Brighton & Hove Albion, his first goal since returning to the Premier League.
Bale left Spurs to join Real seven years ago but returned to the north London club on a season-long loan.
The Welsh forward won four Champions League titles and two La Liga crowns with Real, but divided opinion in Spain because of a perceived lack of commitment and poor injury record.
"I am pleased for him because he deserved the goal. When I have five minutes I am going to Safari to look at Madrid's website to see what they say," Mourinho told reporters.
"He knows we care about him and we know he cares about us, the team and the club, Spurs. He's the perfect fit, he's very calm, very intelligent, he has good feelings."
Bale came off the bench to head the winner.
The Welshman was brought on in the 70th minute and three minutes later he met a Sergio Reguilon cross with a firm and well-directed header to restore Tottenham's lead.
Harry Kane had put Spurs ahead in the 13th minute from the penalty spot after Adam Lallana was ruled to have fouled him as he climbed for a header.
Brighton responded with a long spell of good possession football as Spurs failed to drive home their advantage and Graham Potter's side drew level in the 56th minute.
Tariq Lamptey drove into the far, bottom corner after being set up by Pascal Gross at the end of a clever move from Brighton but the VAR official asked referee Graham Scott to look at a challenge on Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg by Solly March.
Spurs felt that Marsh had fouled the Dane but Scott ruled the challenge was fair and the goal stood.
Tottenham then struck the post twice, firstly a drive from the edge of the box from Erik Lamela and then a close-range effort from a tight angle by Kane.
Then came Bale's winner as Spurs moved above Everton in the standings into second place on 14 points, two behind leaders Liverpool.
Bale has yet to start in the Premier League for Spurs as he works his way back to full match fitness and was delighted to have got off the mark.
"It's a great feeling. You just want to come on and do a job for the team. I worked for the team and was lucky enough to get the goal," he said.
But Bale was wary of the suggestion that Spurs could be in a position to compete for the title this season.
"(We are) very competitive, we know not to get too carried away. There are some great teams, we are just going to keep working as hard as we can," he said.
Spurs face Bulgaria's Ludogorets in the Europa League on Thursday before a Premier League clash against West Bromwich Albion on Sunday.
- Reuters
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Latest Videos
Most Read
Rugby
Soccer
Cricket
Rugby
Soccer