Gareth Bale makes impressive Real Madrid return after six-month injury absence

Gareth Bale impressed in his first Real Madrid appearance in six months after finally putting his injury nightmare behind him.

The 32-year-old played 74 minutes for the La Liga leaders in Saturday’s scoreless draw at Villarreal, playing in a central attacking role in the absence of Karim Benzema.

The Welshman had appeared to be enjoying a new lease of life in the Spanish capital following the return of boss Carlo Ancelotti this summer – starting in each of the side’s opening three league matches this campaign.

The Italian had been in the dugout when Bale signed for Los Blancos from Tottenham in the summer of 2013 and the forward’s best form at the club came under the Italian coach.

Yet Bale suffered fresh injury heartbreak with a hamstring pull seeing him miss six months of the campaign while various fitness setbacks since have delayed his return to action.

The forward had netted in the early season 3-3 draw at Levante and appeared to have the trust of Ancelotti, with whom he won the Copa del Rey and Champions League titles in 2014.

Yet his only appearances since August had come for Wales, but he has been eased back to full fitness in the Spanish capital and started in Saturday’s trip to Villarreal.

It took Bale a little while to adjust to the pace of the match, not making his first touch of the ball until the 20 th minute as he appeared isolated with Vinicius Junior and Marco Asensio also deployed in a three-man attack.

Bale burst into life ten minutes before the break, combining in a sharp move with David Alaba before firing a shot narrowly wide of goal.

The Welshman then came close to opening the scoring as he latched onto a threaded ball before showing excellent control and seeing a powerful shot well-saved