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Cape Town - Gareth Bale has responded to Manuel Pellegrini's suggestions that Real Madrid were "lucky" to reach the Champions League final, insisting his team fully deserved it.
Los Blancos beat City 1-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday night, courtesy of a Fernando deflection from Bale's effort, which the Welshman admits was fortunate.
The own goal proved decisive in the tie, following the 0-0 first leg draw at the Etihad Stadium last week.
"I don't think we were lucky," Bale said after the game. "There was a bit of luck involved in the goal, obviously, but we controlled possession.
"They had their moments but I don't think they had a shot on target in two games - maybe just one. We're definitely the deserved winners.
"Semi-finals are always cagey - no-one really wants to make a mistake. We were lucky enough to get a goal and that's the difference."
Real now join their Madrid rivals Atletico in a mouth-watering final on May 28 at Milan's San Siro stadium, a repeat of the 2014 final which Real won 4-1 after extra time.
