Less than a month ago, no one would have given the 'Cardiff Express' a prayer of being involved from the start against Liverpool. However, in the chances he has been given in recent weeks, Bale has been turning in some impressive performances, which will no doubt cause Zinedine Zidane one or two headaches in the week to come.
A starter in Real Madrid's 10th and 11th European Cup triumphs, Bale didn't make the starting XI last time out in his hometown of Cardiff, though that was due to injury moreso than anything else.
The Welshman has been injury free for almost five months now, though he has largely failed to reclaim his untouchable status. In the last 23 games though, Bale has given Zidane and the Real Madrid fans plenty of food for thought. The former Tottenham man has played four games since the end of March, scoring against Leganes, Barcelona, Celta (two) and Villarreal, acrruing a total of five goals in four games and playing himself into form at the perfect time.
The decision on whether to start the 28-year-old in Kiev will be a difficult one, with nine of the Real Madrid side picking itself. The back five, midfielder three and Cristiano Ronaldo are all unquestionable starters if fit, leaving just two potential places for Bale to force his way in as Madrid chase their 13th European crown.
All the signs suggest that those two gaps in the lineup will be filled by two of Karim Benzema, Isco and Bale, with that trio holding the most experience of games of such magnitude. Benzema has always been trusted by Zidane, even on his darkest days. Isco is someone who has been trusted in important games in the past, whilst Bale has a reputation as a finals specialist.
As if that weren't enough, Marco Asensio and Lucas Vazquez will both also be champing at the bit for a starting role, having both leapfrogged Bale in the pecking order since January.
Both players started the second leg of the semi-final against Bayern Munich, showing the undoubted confidence that Zidane has in them.
Whilst it is an unenviable task facing Zidane, the rewards could be huge, with a win likely to be enough to make onlookers forget about Madrid's frustrating league campaign.