Gareth Bale marks Real Madrid return with Espanyol goal

He's been out for three months, but Gareth Bale did not take long to mark his return to the Real Madrid side with a goal on Saturday.

The Wales international was introduced as a 71st-minute substitute against Espanyol, making his first appearance since November 22 after a spell out with injury.

Just 13 minutes later he found the back of the net to help Real secure a 2-0 victory.

The goal was Bale's 23rd in his last 28 La Liga matches and sees Real move four points clear of second-placed Barcelona, who have also played a game more.

Alvaro Morata scored the opener for Zinedine Zidane's side at the Bernabeu in the 33rd minute.

Barca are in action on Sunday evening, live on Sky Sports, when they host Leganes, looking to bounce back from their midweek Champions League thrashing by Paris Saint-Germain.