Gareth Bale scored on his return from injury as Real Madrid beat Espanyol 4-2 to move up to third in La Liga.

The Welshman scored three minutes after coming on as a second-half substitute to put Real Madrid 4-1 ahead.

Two goals from Karim Benzema and Sergio Ramos' header had given Real a 3-1 half-time lead, with Leo Baptistao replying for Espanyol.

Raphael Varane was sent off before Roberto Rosales pulled another goal back, but Real held on for a 4-2 win.

The win sees Santiago Solari's side move back above Sevilla and narrow the gap on city rivals Atletico Madrid to five points.