Bale beaming after his explosive Real return

Gareth Bale received a rousing reception from Real Madrid fans when he returned off the bench against Espanyol on Saturday - and just 12 minutes later rewarded them with a goal to seal a 2-0 win for the La Liga leader.

Bale collected an Isco through-ball, darted into the box and lashed in off the far post for the perfect comeback after almost three months out injured.

The Welshman rushed toward the corner flag to celebrate before being congratulated by teammates Toni Kroos and Lucas Vazquez.