Video: Gareth Bale's incredible San Siro hat-trick

On Thursday, Tottenham will return to the scene of Gareth Bale's breakout performance, albeit without their mercurial Welsh wizard, as they travel to the San Siro for their Europa League clash with Inter Milan.

Bale is suspended for the encounter in Milan, but the 23-year-old played a significant role in surely placing the tie beyond the reach of Inter, following a convincing 3-0 victory in the first leg at White Hart Lane last week.

There's something about Inter that summons the very best from of Bale, with three meetings between Spurs and Inter resulting in a trio of scintillating displays from the Welshman, even if arguably his finest performance resulted in defeat.

That night under the lights at the San Siro saw Spurs ship three goals in the opening 14 minutes, while goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes saw red, before Bale almost singlehandedly salvaged something from a lost cause.

Bale strode over half the length of the field before firing in a first for Spurs, and followed it later with an almost identical second. He gave Spurs further hope when he completed his hat-trick, but it was not to be.

Inter, however, had been warned, and Bale turned on the style when the two sides met again - this time at White Hart Lane - in the second Champions League group meeting between the two.

Bale inspired Spurs to a 3-1 win and into the knockout stages of the competition, where they recorded a win in the San Siro against AC Milan, before being defeated by Real Madrid.

The incredible performances by Bale against Inter were beautifully captured by animator Richard Swarbrick, and his fantastic video can be seen above.