A second-half hat-trick from red hot winger Gareth Bale has almost saved Tottenham from defeat against Inter Milan in the Champions League.

The 21-year old Wales international pulled something out of the hat when he took it upon himself to get Spurs back in the match when they trailed by four goals.

But his treble was not enough as his side went down 4-3 at the San Siro to an Inter outfit who were in sublime form in the first half.

The home side struck early through captain Javier Zanetti in the 2nd minute before their lead was doubled nine minutes later when Samuel Eto'o converted from the penalty spot after Spurs keeper Heurelho Gomes was sent off for bringing down Jonathan Biabiany.

A third quickly followed when Dejan Stankovic netted in the 14th minute and the Nerazzurri were in dreamland when Eto'o grabbed his second to make it 4-0 after just 35 minutes.

But Tottenham rallied in the second half when Bale netted seven minutes with one of the goals of the season before a late double completed his hat-trick to give Spurs a sniff before time cruelly ran out.

The three points put Inter on top of Group A with seven points from three matches whilst Spurs are in second with four points.

UEFA Champions League Group AInter Milan (ITA): 4 (Javier Zanetti 2', Samuel Eto'o (p) 11', 35', Dejan Stankovic 35') Tottenham (ENG): 3 (Gareth Bale 52', 90', 90+1')

Venue: San Siro, Milan Crowd: 70,520 Referee: Damir Skomina Yellow cards:INT - Cristian Chivu 17' TOT - Wilson Palacios 89' Red card:TOT - Heurelho Gomes 8'