Gareth Bale scores on return as Real Madrid set new club record against Espanyol

Real Madrid set a new club record after scoring for the 42nd consecutive game as Gareth Bale returned with a goal in a 2-0 victory in their La Liga clash against Espanyol at the Bernabeu.

Alvaro Morata scored in the 33rd minute to ensure that Zinedine Zidane's side scored yet again to surpass the previous club record set in 1952 and equalled in 1989 and 2012.

Gareth Bale returned after a three-month lay-off in the second half as he replaced the goalscorer Morata, and within 13 minutes of his return he too had got on the scoresheet.

It was a fitting way for the Welshman to mark his return after an extended spell on the sidelines and it clinched a key win for Zidane's men, who now lead Barcelona by four points, albeit having played a game more.

Espanyol offered next to no threat down the other end, making it a very comfortable afternoon for the hosts, who didn’t have to over-exert in their attempts to earn three points.

Bale back at perfect time. The 3-1 victories over Osasuna last weekend and Napoli in the Champions League somewhat flattered Real, as they looked a little off colour in both games. Against Espanyol, while their goal wasn’t threatened, Los Blancos lacked potency up front, with Cristiano Ronaldo again below par. Bales introduction did inject some addition impetus into Real, and with some important games to come in the coming weeks, the sight of the Welsh wizard in full flight will be welcomed in the Spanish capital.

Toni Kroos. There are few as good as the Germany international at controlling games. With Espanyol struggling to find any rhythm, this game was made for Kroos, as he dictated the tempo from start to finish, while making more key passes than any other player on the pitch.

Real Madrid: Casilla 6; Carvajal 6, Pepe 6, Varane 7, Nacho 6; Kroos 8, Kovacic 6, Isco 7; Lucas Vazquez 6, Morata 7, Ronaldo 6.. Subs: Bale 7, Casemiro 6, Marcelo 6.

Espanyol: Diego López 6, Diego Reyes 5, Duarte 8, David López 7, Aarón 5, Fuego 5, Diop 5, Jurado 5, Piatti 5, Reyes 4, Gerard 4... Subs: Perez 6, Vazquez 5.

30’ - BLOCK! Piatti gives the ball away, Ronaldo is played in, he squares for a tight angle, but Duarte does superbly to slide in a nick the ball away from Morata.

33’ - GOAL! Real Madrid 1-0 Espanyol. On his return to the starting line-up, Morata heads Real into the lead. Tremendous work from Isco, as he delays before whipping a perfect cross onto the head of Morata, who heads into the bottom corner, with David Lopez sleeping.

38’ - CHANCE! Great ball from Isco again. He threads it through for Nacho, who crosses for Morata, Duarte cannot get his head to it first, Morata brings it down, but fires wide, the ball bouncing as he struck.

68’ - CHANCE! Morata does well to work space for the cross, clips it to the back post, but Ronaldo had gone too early with his jump, heading over as he came down.

84’ - GOAL! Real Madrid 2-0 Espanyol. Gareth Bale marks his return with a goal! Well that was in the script. Perfectly weighted pass from Isco plays Bale in, on the counter, his pace takes him clear, before firing into the bottom corner. Clinical.

Isco has assisted twice in a same game for Real Madrid for the first time this season.

Gareth Bale has scored 23 goals in his last 28 La Liga games for Real Madrid.