GARETH BALE SCORED twice for Real Madrid as they got their league season back on track with a comfortable 5-0 home win over Rayo Vallecano.
Having lost twice in four days to fall off the pace set by leaders Atletico Madrid and second placed Barcelona, Carlo Ancelotti’s men were merciless in the treatment of their guests. Real led through Cristiano Ronaldo and Dani Carvajal goals before Bale sealed victory.
His first goal came after great work by Angel di Maria down the left and he made it 4-0 after breaking from the edge of his own box moments after a Vallecano corner kick. He outpaced the covering defenders and kept his head to coolly pick his spot. Alvaro Morata closed out the scoring on 78 minutes.
While Real were romping to victory at the rain-soaked Bernabeu, their cross-town rivals Atletico were battling to a 2-1 win over Athletic Bilbao at San Mames. The victory restored their one point lead over Varcelona, who beat Espaynol 1-0, with seven games left to play.
Iker Muniain scored early on for the hosts before Diego Costa struck his 33rd goal of the season to haul Atletico level. The winner arrived on 55 minutes as Koke headed home for Diego Simeone’s men.
Atletico face Barca next, on Tuesday, in the Champions League quarter finals and also travel to the Nou Camp for the final league game of the season.
