Welshman Gareth Bale was a major absentee for Real Madrid as the 13-time European champions returned to winning ways on style on the back of the Madrid Derby defeat at the hands of Atletico Madrid whom they replaced as La Liga champions. Atletico Madrid had won their first La Liga title in seven years last season, while replacing Real Madrid and the reigning Champions League finalists have returned the favour to their city rivals this season. Real Madrid are back to winning ways thanks to the 6-0 thumping of Levante at home on Thursday night.

Gareth Bale has been missing from the Real Madrid squad since the end of last month due to a back problem. He has missed the last four Real Madrid games in all competitions as a result of the injury. Continue reading