AE Sports

Gareth Bale Scores On His Return As Madrid Top La Liga

Gareth Bale scored the opening goal as Real Madrid beat Villarreal to go top of La Liga.

The Welshman chipped home after seven minutes and assisted Karim Benzema’s close-range second.

Mario Gaspar pulled one back with a fierce first-time drive but Jese put Real Madrid in control with a delicate finish.

Giovani Dos Santos scored a brilliant free-kick for the visitors but Benzema sealed it from 18 yards.

Real Madrid, who were without the suspended Cristiano Ronaldo, are now unbeaten in 23 games in all competitions.

With this result, Madrid have climbed to the top of the Spanish league on goal difference after rivals Atletico Madrid lost 2-0to Almeria.

Barcelona, who visit Sevilla on Sunday, could overtake both sides on goal difference with a victory.