Numancia 0-3 Real Madrid: 5 Talking Points

#1 Gareth Bale makes first Real Madrid start since September

Bale gave Real Madrid the lead through a spot kick

The Welshman finally started a game for Real Madrid! Bale last started a match for his side on September 26 against Borussia Dortmund, a match where he had scored a superb goal. He damaged his calf in that encounter and subsequently missed two months of action.

Bale played against Fuenlabrada in the last tie of the Copa Del Rey, coming off the bench to deliver an assist. He again had an issue with his calf which put him on the sidelines. Bale also made an appearance in the Club World Cup but this was his first real chance to make a statement about his comeback.

He scored from the penalty spot in the first half, beating the Numancia custodian with a stuttered run-up. But he was anonymous for the majority of his performance and looked like a player terribly short on match fitness.

7 - Gareth Bale has been directly involved in seven goals in his last nine games for Real Madrid in all competitions (four goals and three assists). Necessary. pic.twitter.com/FAWhASgSNC

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) January 4, 2018

He was hooked off at half-time as Zinedine Zidane will now try to manage his playing time with minute attention. Bale is expected to start in Real Madrid's La Liga clash against Celta Vigo on Sunday as well.