If it wasn't clear that Gareth Bale has been hassled by his critics, his goal celebration against Levante last night was enough proof.

Admittedly, this season has not been perfect for Real Madrid, but the criticism from fans and the Spanish media are at odds with the Welshman's positive impact last season.

"This was his response to the critics. This was his chance to hit back," said our European football reviewer Ben Lyttleton on Off The Ball tonight. 

"He hasn't become a bad player in two months. He's just had two difficult months. What was interesting about this performance was that it came, for the first time in three months, that Luka Modric was playing for Real Madrid. Modric knows Bale from Spurs, they celebrated the first goal together, Modric has helped Bale settle in a little bit and has become an important part of his life at Real Madrid and you sense that wih Modric near him on the pitch, Bale had a little bit more confidence."

Listen to the full European football review via the podcast: