Bale's brace buries Levante

Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale answered his critics in emphatic style when he ended a nine-game goal drought with both goals for the European champion in a 2-0 La Liga victory over Levante at the Bernabeu on Sunday.

Jeered by his own team's fans during Real's recent poor run, Bale struck twice in the first half and came close to completing a hat-trick midway through the second to leave Real a point behind leader Barcelona.

It failed to add to its tally against the struggling Valencia-based side, however, and question marks remain over its form following a 4-3 reverse at home to Schalke 04 in its Champions League last 16, second leg in midweek.