Bale, Ronaldo on target for Real Madrid

Earlier, Barca had momentarily usurped Real thanks to Lionel Messi’s winner four minutes from time in a 2-1 victory at Atletico Madrid. Real lead Barca by a point, but also have a game in hand on their title rivals. 

“We showed character to turn the game around,” said Real boss Zinedine Zidane. “With everything that happened today it was vitally important to get the three points.” 

Bale was recalled to the starting line-up for the first time in three months after a long-term injury layoff and Real’s shock 2-1 defeat to Valencia in midweek. And the European champions looked set for a second straight defeat as Villarreal struck twice early in the second half. 

Firstly, Manu Trigueros volleyed home Samu Castillejo’s knockdown before Cedric Bakambu burst onto Bruno Soriano’s through ball to slot past Keylor Navas. 

Bale started Madrid’s fightback as he rose highest to power home Dani Carvajal’s cross 25 minutes from time. Soriano was harshly adjudged to have handled the ball and Ronaldo scored the equaliser. 

Real’s winner came seven minutes from time through Alvaro Morata’s powerful header.