Real Madrid secured a 2-0 win over Espanyol at the Bernabeu and remain in command at the top of LaLiga.

Gareth Bale has been sidelined since the Champions League group match at Sporting Lisbon on November 22 after needing surgery on tendon damage in his ankle.

The 27-year-old, though, produced a dream comeback when, having come on for the final 20 minutes, he raced onto a pass from Isco down the left and slotted the ball into the far corner.

A first-half header from Alvaro Morata had set Real Madrid on course for victory, which saw them move four points clear of Barcelona, who will have played two matches more after they host Leganes on Sunday.

Real coach Zinedine Zidane said: "I'm happy because it shows they're all focused and committed to what we're doing. It's more difficult for the players who get less minutes, but they don't show it. You can see they're all prepared when the team needs them and that's great.

“We've got 24 very good players and we want to be all together in everything we do. The players are happy to be able to help the team when they get their chance, that's the most important thing. We know we've got a lot of games and we'll need everyone. Now we have two games away from home, there are only two teams that can pick up more points on Wednesday and that's crucial. Then next weekend it's another difficult away trip."