Gareth Bale needs just 74 seconds to show Real Madrid fans there is life without Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema before adding a second

IT TOOK just 74 seconds for Gareth Bale to prove he is more than ready to become the new king of the Bernabeu.

The Welsh wonder rose to head home for Real Madrid in their La Liga opener against Real Sociedad on Sunday with little over a minute on the clock – before adding his second and the European champions’ third in injury time.

And with star man Cristiano Ronaldo and French forward Karim Benzema sidelined, Bale is showing that boss Zinedine Zidane was right to place his confidence in the 27-year-old.

Ahead of the game, the Madrid boss had challenge him to continue being a leader for the side, and his instant impact at Anoeta showed exactly why his manager has such faith in his abilities.

Zidane had said: “Yes (he can be leader), but like always. He’s an important player in this team.

“He showed that last season and I think he can continue in the same way this season.

"He wants to continue making history with this great club.

“It's an important year for him, and for the others."

Things got even better for Madrid just before the break as they doubled their advantage with a cheeky chipped effort from 20-year-old Marco Asensio on his first start for the club.

Then with virtually the last kick of the game, Bale rounded the keeper on the counter-attack with devastating pace.

Wales' Euro 2016 hero was then patient enough to take his time and slot the ball home for 3-0 and prove that is why Real Madrid are the kings of Europe.