That’s what the Spanish media called it when Gareth Bale was spotted training with his country less than 48 hours after missing the Classico with a ‘niggle’.
Real Madrid star Gareth Bale gave Wales the lead with a stunning free-kickCredit: EPA
Maybe they went too early.
Because despite only playing 77 minutes of club football since November the Real Madrid man scored two stunners for his beloved Dragons.
Who writes the former Tottenham man’s scripts?
Even by his standards it was incredible stuff from the captain and talisman to put his nation on the brink of a first World Cup in 64 years.
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Wales were unbeaten in their last three meetings with Austria – and had not lost to anyone in Cardiff in 16 matches.
No wonder the Dragons fancied their chances – despite coming up against such experienced opponents.
They almost got off to the dream start as Connor Roberts closed down David Alaba and the ball fell to Dan James whose shot was too close to Heinz Lindner.
Yet they were almost caught out at the other end as a super through ball from Marcel Sabitzer split the home defence wide open.
Christoph Baumgartner went clear but took his shot early and it beat Wayne Hennessey but bounced back off the crossbar.
Gareth Bale scored his first free-kick goal for Wales since Euro 2016 against EnglandCredit: EPA
What a let off for the home side – and they almost took full advantage as James stood up a cross from the left that just evaded the on-rushing Aaron Ramsey at the back post.
It was 1958 last time Wales qualified for the World Cup finals – when they also did it via the play-offs.
Yet there was no sign of the nerves from Page’s men.
If anything it was the visitors who seemed rattled – including Alaba who must have thought he had seen it all during his time with Bayern Munich and Real.
A cross by Liverpool’s Neco Williams found the head of Ramsey but he could not quite direct it on target.
Gareth Bale is determined to lead Wales to the 2022 World Cup in QatarCredit: Getty
Then midway through the first half, Baumgartner stuck out an arm to stop Harry Wilson bursting past him and was given a yellow card.
More importantly, though, it gave Wales a free-kick 25 yards out – in a position which looked perfect for you-know-who.
He puffed out his cheeks, took a four step run up and then floated a perfect ‘knuckle-ball’ free-kick over the wall and in off the underside of the bar.
What a goal and what a moment.
His 37th goal for his country – and his first from a free-kick since the one that beat England’s Joe Hart in the group stage of Euro 2016.
Wales have one more big game to go through to seal World Cup qualificationCredit: AFP
That’s four goals and three assists now in the current qualifying campaign – where would they be without him?
Wales were almost caught out as Alaba’s free-kick was punched out by Hennessey straight onto Ben Davies – but luckily the rebound dropped wide.
And back at the other end, the home side came so close to extending their lead as some great pressing from James saw Wilson flip through Ramsey.
The on-loan Rangers man took a touch before firing a shot that was superbly tipped round the post by Lindner.
What a boost a second goal would have been going into half-time – particularly as Page’s men made a sloppy start to the second half.
Former Stoke man Marko Arnautovic saw a header comfortably saved by Hennessey..
But more pressing saw James win his team a corner and then send a dangerous ball into the box from the left.
Davies got there first but his old Spurs mate Bale did the rest, taking a touch before sending a fierce drive across Lindner and into the far corner.
Just after the hour, the hat-trick was on as he raced away down the right but blazed his effort just inches over the bar.
That would have wrapped it up but instead, less than a minute later, Austria got back into it as Sabitzer’s tame shot from outside the box would have been straight at Hennessey.
Yet it took a horrible deflection off Davies and looped over the Burnley keeper – a really soft one for the visitors.
Again Wales had the chance to seal it as a delightful ball from Ramsey put James in but Lindner got down well to save from the Leeds man.
And he was slipped in again by Harry Wilson a couple of minutes later but this time he was denied by some last-ditch defending from Xavier Schlager.
The Dragons seemed intent on doing it the hard way but they hung on to seal a famous win – and now they are within touching distance.
