Football news - Solari urges Bale to be Real's main man

Bale netted all three goals as Real beat Kashima Antlers 3-1 on Wednesday to continue their bid to win the title for the third consecutive year.

The Welshman became only the third player, after Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, to score in three different editions of the tournament and his six World Club Cup goals put him one behind former team mate Ronaldo’s record of seven.

There were high expectations for Bale following the Portuguese forward's departure for Juventus this year, with Real suggesting they did not need to make a new Galactico signing because the former Tottenham Hotspur player could fill the void.

Although they are languishing fourth in La Liga and are on their second coach of the season after Julen Lopetegui was sacked in October, Solari believes Bale's display against Kashima can be a catalyst.

“We are all expecting this kind of performance from him every Sunday, every Wednesday - every time we play,” Solari said.

“Of course, it is not easy to score three goals every game but I don’t just mean the goals, but also the commitment - he has had this commitment in the last games.

“Today everything was perfect for him; but he can achieve this because he was committed before.”

Bale, who has won four Champions League titles and scored in two finals since his move from Spurs in 2013, has been criticised by the Madrid media due to his injuries, inconsistent form and a perceived lack of integration with the squad.

“He’s shown what he is and what he’s capable of doing,” Solari added. “We are happy with him and we hope he can do it in the final, too.”

Real face Al Ain of the United Arab Emirates in Saturday’s final after they surprised South American champions River Plate on penalties in the first semi.