Eight Years Ago: Gareth Bale Destroyed Maicon, Scored A Stunning Hat-Trick

Gareth Bale etched himself in Champions League history after destroying Maicon at the iconic San Siro in 2010.

Not to mention bagging an incredible hat-trick against Inter Milan. Though, ultimately, his heroics weren't enough as Spurs lost to Inter Milan 4-3.

After the hosts raced to a four-goal first-half lead courtesy of goals from Javier Zanetti, Samuel Eto'o (x2) and Dejan Stankovic, Spurs then turned into a one-man team in the second half.

Bale reduced the deficit seven minutes after the break, before adding another two brilliant goals at the death.

Whilst his effort was in a losing cause, he ruined a world class defender in the shape of Maicon as well as putting his name on the footballing map.

Two weeks later, the sides met again at the 'Lane' where Bale continued to wreck havoc on the left flank. Here's his performance on this day, eight years ago:

Bale's devastating form prompted an honest reaction from the Brazilian who admitted he was 'impossible to control' on that night in Milan.

His then-manager, Harry Redknapp, recalled the game a few years later.

Redknapp added: "The most amazing thing ever was that when we played them at home, they left Maicon at right‑back, one against one, against Gareth. He destroyed him again. It was the end of Maicon. He went from being the best right back in the world to hearing chants of 'Taxi for Maicon'".

Incredible individual performance.