<text>  Gareth Bale hit the post with an effort from around 50 yards out during Real Madrids 1-0 defeat by Athletic Bilbao on Saturday evening but the question is: Did he mean it? With the Spanish giants trailing 1-0 at San Mames, the Welshman produced what looked like an audacious repeat of David Beckhams famous lob for Manchester United against Wimbledon back in 1996. The ball flew through the air and caught Bilbao goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz completely off guard before dipping and smacking the post; much to the disappointment of Javier Hernandez who raised his arms to celebrate before being beaten to the rebound by a defender. Gareth Bale hits the ball goalwards from around 50 yards out during Real Madrids defeat to Athletic Bilbao . Bales strike hits the post after catching Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz completely off guard . Javier Hernandez right puts his arms in the air to celebrate having thought Bales effort had found the net . Much debate arose on social media over whether Real Madrids wing wizard had meant to shoot or cross . Bale shoots at goal during a disappointing day for Carlo Ancelottis side who may have surrended top spot . The shot soon caused debate among fans on social media with some reckoning the kick was a cross which went horribly awry rather than a direct effort at goal. Whether Bale meant it or not, had the ball sailed in it would surely have been up there with some of the widemans finest strikes. Beckhams successful attempt from such a distance is one of the finest, most memorable goals of the Premier League era. Aged just 21, Beckham received the ball in his own half and spotted Wimbledon goalkeeper Neil Sullivan off his line before producing a stunning strike from the halfway line which flew perfectly into the back of the net. Meanwhile, defeat for Carlo Ancelottis side on Saturday means Barcelona can leapfrog Los Blancos at the top of the La Liga table with a win over Rayo Vallecano on Sunday. David Beckham scored from the halfway line for Manchester United against Wimbledon back in 1996 . Wimbledon goalkeeper Neil Sullivan was caught off guard and watches on as the ball sails into the net . Beckham celebrates after scoring one of the most memorable strikes of the Premier League era . 