Stunning hat-trick can’t Bale out Spurs

TOTTENHAM almost made the greatest of escapes in Milan last night, losing to Inter but salvaging some pride against the European Champions in a remarkable game.

After effectively losing the game in the opening 14 minutes, when they went 3-0 down and had goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes sent off, the remaining 10 men fought a rearguard action and a sensational second-half-hat-trick from the outstanding Gareth Bale almost brought them a draw that looked impossible when they trailed 4-0 at half-time.

Harry Redknpp’s men, rookies in the competition, were no match for Rafael Benitez’s reigning European Champions during an opening half that was brutal. A goal behind inside 70 seconds, the opening quarter of an hour was a disaster for Spurs as they found themselves 3-0 down and reduced to 10 men after the Brazilian goalkeeper was sent off.