Real Madrid battled their way to a 2-0 win over RCD Espanyol on Saturday. Alvaro Morata scored the opener in the first-half and it looked like Morata’s goal would be the difference between the two sides.
But, Gareth Bale, who came on in the latter stages after a long injury layoff, marked his return with a superb sprinting goal to provide the comfort margin and ensure a comfortable win at the end.
Gareth Bale’s impact on his return was hailed on Twitter as the Welshman scored in trademark fashion.
Back with a bang! Gareth Bale has now scored 23 goals in his last 28 Liga games for Real Madrid. ⚽️ #UCL pic.twitter.com/H1MW8IwWs3
— Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 18, 2017
When Gareth Bale returns after 88 days out injured and scores 12 minutes later ❤ pic.twitter.com/7wRhujTZDi
— Bleacher Report UK (@br_uk) February 19, 2017
AS:
After 88 days…. GARETH BALE!
Subbed on at the 71th min & scored a GOLAZO in the 83rd
Zidane, “There’s none like him, He’s special!” pic.twitter.com/4Q9IIqGZVv
— M•A•J (@UItraSuristic) February 19, 2017
Gareth Bale took only 13 mins to equal Neymar’s goal tally of 2017
13 Mins: pic.twitter.com/dWOK0jTAz5
— RMadridBabe (@RMadridBabe) February 18, 2017
The dragon is back, @GarethBale11 pic.twitter.com/2xlZLU6jOE
— Ayub (@GFX_7) February 18, 2017
WELCOME BACK GARETH BALE! pic.twitter.com/EYZj9Jgasp
— RMadridHome (@RMadridHome_) February 18, 2017
But, it was Isco who earned the plaudits from the Los Blancos faithfuls as he chipped in with two crucial assists that saw Real Madrid continue their charge atop the league table.
Isco today:
• 90 Minutes
• 81 Touches
• 59/65 Passes
• 90.8% Pass Accuracy
• 6 Crosses
• 2 Key Passes
• 2 Tackles
• 2 Assists
• 1 Dribble pic.twitter.com/5qQNVCHWQN— RMadridHome (@RMadridHome_) February 18, 2017
Positives from the game:
1. Isco
2. Bale
3. The 3 points #HalaMadrid— TheCRonaldoFan (@TheCRonaldoFan) February 18, 2017
But, it was another day when Real Madrid shattered a record while their ability to keep the opposition at bay would surely please Zidane.
Another record for Real Madrid under Zinedine Zidane! pic.twitter.com/6j2yFVtsXQ
— Bleacher Report UK (@br_uk) February 19, 2017
MARCA: Espanyol in 90mins never got near Real Madrid’s penalty box. They had zero touches on the ball in that area. pic.twitter.com/uJeaqmkHzK
— M•A•J (@UItraSuristic) February 18, 2017
Real Madrid is honestly blessed to have Modric and Kroos in the same midfield.
— Lucas (@Goalnaldo) February 18, 2017
Overall, Real Madrid fans were happy with the result but felt like their team deserved more goals for their efforts on the day. But, the highlight surely was Ronaldo’s nutmeg on the day, which was an outrageous piece of skill by the Portuguese superstar.
?Oiii Ronaldo, that’s just naughty!! ⚠️?? pic.twitter.com/wpV38pjYiz
— The F2 (@TheF2) February 18, 2017
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Ending Career with elasticito nutmeg ? pic.twitter.com/oQhS3c41rW
— CR7Minutes (@CR7Minutes) February 18, 2017
Ronaldo with an elastico masterclass pic.twitter.com/YKmfYT6jkQ
— Football Daily (@footballdailyuk) February 18, 2017
RONALDO NUTMEG SO GOOD pic.twitter.com/kBvejbA46L
— _ (@goonernisarg) February 18, 2017
Ronaldo just did an absolute madness
— Phil Kitromilides (@PhilKitro) February 18, 2017
That nutmeg from Cristiano Ronaldo was nasty ? ?
— Ed ⚽ (@iDonkeyPunchHoe) February 18, 2017