Real Madrid returned to winning ways yesterday with a 2-0 victory over Levante.

Gareth Bale was back on the scoresheet as Real Madrid warmed up for next week's vital Clasico with a win.

Bale had come in for more criticism than most from the Real fans following the midweek Champions League loss to Schalke but he volleyed home to open the scoring and then deflected Cristiano Ronaldo's shot home just before the break.

Real will now travel to the Nou Camp just one point behind Primera Division leaders Barca for a game that will go a long way towards deciding the destiny of the title.

Real coach Carlo Ancelotti said: "It was a good first half, we played well, with intensity and quality. We controlled the play and had the lion's share of the goalscoring opportunities. The tempo dropped off a bit in the second half. We were more at ease and played the ball sideways more. We lacked penetration.

"We will take the good first half performance and the win away with us in order to continue improving. I think we'll be full of confidence heading to the Camp Nou."