The Day Gareth Bale Silenced the San Siro...

One of the biggest nights in Tottenham's European history and they face a team with an awesome home record. Inter are unbeaten in their last 50 games here at the San Siro, stretching back for more than two years. After many interesting clashes tonight, Maikon, arguably the best right back in the world, against Gareth Bale. And that could be a key factor here as Tottenham are under pressure and they concede it. It's Zanetti, the legendary skipper of Inter Milan, who has scored in just over a minute. Spurs midfield, that defence was moved around, Coutinho into Eto'o and there's Zanetti with a finish. Lovely side foot for what's the worst start the Spurs could possibly have. Scored a wonderful goal in the opening 20 minutes in Werder Bremen and had a part to play in the first goal, an own goal as well. As Bale goes down on the edge of the box, the referee points for a goal kick. Spurs always with an attacking edge but they're on the defensive again here. Now that was a risky challenge by the goalkeeper Gomez and the referee has pointed to the penalty spot and it could get worse. It has got worse, it's a red card for the Tottenham keeper. The goalkeeper who's just come off the bench can make himself a hero. A delayed run up from Eto'o but the outcome decisive. 2-0 and you would think it's game over for Spurs. On to Maicon. It's a lovely move again. Oh, been beaten once more. Stankovic from 13 minutes gone and an unbelievable scoreline. Interval and three. Tottenham Hotspur nil. 3-0 win. Here's Bale, one man who can lead the recovery if anyone can. Schneider with the corner. Eto'o waiting on the far post. Seem to be picked up by any defender and he's going for it again here. Spectacular effort. Well that could have deflected easily in for another goal. It's going to be a very long night for these Spurs players. As Coutinho slides one through to Eto'o, he's onside. Fidicini fails to stop him. And Inter Milan have made it four. Well again, ten men or no ten men, it's really poor defending. Couldn't put any money against him completing the hat-trick here. As Bale picks up an injury in that clash with Maicon. It came off worse. And committed a foul. Bale's free kick. That's the target. But it's dropped to Zanetti. Rhythm going. Knowing that the game is as good as won. Here's Bale. He's done brilliantly against Maicon. Brilliantly. I don't think Harry's best pleased. Spurs came here so full of hope and expectation tonight. But the first 45 minutes in the San Siro has proved to be an embarrassment. They've lost a player. Their goalkeeper, Gomez, sent off. And they've conceded four goals in a disastrous first half. Inter Milan 4, Tottenham Hotspur 0. When they got at Maicon and Shibu, they found it quite... Well, not easy to get past, but certainly... Well, it's a brilliant run from Bale. He's so unstoppable in these circumstances. Oh, that is a fantastic goal! Well, it's a night when virtually everything that could have gone wrong for Tottenham has gone wrong. But that is a memorable moment. Magnificent goal by Bale. Well, this kid's an outstanding athlete. Into the substitute, Santon. Oh, that's a good save in the end from Pidiccini. Flashes of brilliance. That's Hutton crosses for Crouch. It's come out to Bale again. And then Asui Kato rather wildly shoots over. That's a poor ball. And Gareth Bale again sprints into space. That's a terrific run forward. Coutinho takes it on and slides it just wide. Well, good feet from the young man again to get the shot away. Back. And that means space for Bale. Dribble. But it was in the first half for Tottenham. Bale. Cordova struggling to get back. He's struggling to stay with Gareth Bale. It's just a great sight, isn't it? There's no catching him. Sees a bit of grass in front of him and he just eats it up. And he just simply can't catch Bale. On to Hutton. Keane peels away towards the back post. And Hutton tries to find a way through on his own. Well, he got himself into a good position. But then he's coming on to his weaker left foot and he knows he should have hit the target at least. Five minutes. First 13 come to that. Keane is up in support. He's gone for goal again! Well, it was like an action replay. Absolutely superb. Another wonderful Gareth Bale goal. What a shame it's come in the final minute. And again, look, that's Zanetti. That's no month defender. It did make things interesting, didn't it? And Bale is in space again here. And Lennon has picked him out. Oh, this is incredible. This is quite incredible. Gareth Bale has scored a hat-trick at the San Siro. Three identical shots into the far corner. Even they can't believe it. And now it's the home fans, incredibly, preaching for the final whistle. And now they hear it. Well, where do you start to sum up a game like that? 4-0 down at half-time. They came back quite magnificently in the second half. And this young man has written headlines that will reverberate all around Europe. A second-half hat-trick for Gareth Bale. And that gives Spurs great hope and encouragement.