Real Madrid star Gareth Bale has marked his return to La Liga action with a goal, scoring in the 2-0 win over Espanyol at theSantiago Bernabeu.
Spanish strikerAlvaro Morata scored the openerin the 33rd minutefor Zinedine Zidane's side, and the league-leaders lead was doubled just seven minutes from the end as Bale came off the bench to notch his 10th goal of the season.
The victory takes Los Blancos four points clear, with a game in hand,at the top of La Liga, but it was a far more momentous day for Bale, who is well and truly up and running following his injury.
23 - Gareth Bale has scored 23 goals in his last 28 La Liga games for Real Madrid. Express. pic.twitter.com/B2aRAJDWKB
Coming on mid-way through the second-half, it took Bale just 11 minutes on the pitch to score as midfield magician Isco slotted him through with a lovely through ball before the Welshman thumped it hard and low past Espanyol goalkeeperDiego Lopez.
Bale has now scored 23 goals in his last 27 La Liga games, making him one of the most prolific strikers in Europe when fit.