MADRID: Gareth Bale ended a run of 802 minutes without a goal in La Liga as Real Madrid won 1-0 at bottom side Huesca on Sunday to climb back to within five points of leaders Barcelona.

The Welshman struck early in the first half for his first goal in the league since the start of September to lift Real to a fourth win in five matches and move the European champions up to fourth place.

“He [Bale] and the rest of the team were all fantastic. He scored a great goal and it was enough to get the win,” said Real coach Santiago Solari.

“His goal and the general character of the team were crucial in taking all three points. It wasn’t a game to remember, but if you want to win La Liga, you have to win these matches,” the Argentine added.

Bale put a halt to his longest spell without scoring in the league since joining Real as he expertly cushioned in a volley from an arcing cross by Alvaro Odriozola on eight minutes and Solari’s team needed a solid performance by goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to hold on to the win.

“We couldn’t do much in the second half,” Courtois said. “We know we have to improve, but it’s difficult to play these types of matches.”

Elsewhere, Eibar and Levante drew 4-4 in a thrilling back-and-forth game in Basque Country.

The hosts led 4-2 until the 75th minute, when Levante pulled one closer with an own-goal by Eibar defender Paulo Oliveira. The visitors equalized in second-half stoppage time with a goal by Borja Mayoral.

The draw kept Levante sixth in the standings, while Eibar dropped to 14th.

Real Betis shot up to seventh with a 2-0 home win over second-bottom Rayo Vallecano following goals by on-loan Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Giovani Lo Celso and Brazilian centre-back Sidnei.

Real Valladolid won for the first time in six games as Toni Suarez and Antonito found the net in a 2-1 victory at Real Sociedad.

Published in Dawn, December 11th, 2018