Real Madrid ace Gareth Bale has defended their sluggish start to the season.

Real were held 0-0 at Sporting Gijon on Sunday.

"We're improving as a squad, increasingly more solid and continuously developing. We're getting stronger and finding our form", said Bale.

The Welsh forward said that Real Madrid fans are "obviously going to see a more attack-minded team" this season. "We still have to improve a bit in defence with regards to last year, but the team are going to play their hearts out on all fronts", he added.