Gareth Bale returns as Real Madrid play goalless draw with Villarreal
Real Madrid were held to a goalless draw at Villarreal on Saturday despite the return from a lengthy injury absence of Gareth Bale.
FT #VillarrealRealMadrid 0-0
Plenty of chances for both teams, but it ends all square between @VillarrealCFen and @realmadriden! 🤝#LaLigaSantander pic.twitter.com/GZmv1uuvCI
— LaLiga English (@LaLigaEN) February 12, 2022
The La Liga leaders’ slip-up will give renewed hope to title rivals Sevilla after their 2-0 win over Elche on Friday.
Papu Gomez and @RafaMir33 lead @SevillaFC_ENG to all three points at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan! 🤜🤛#SevillaFCElche highlight. ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/pMp4xcRbsD
— LaLiga English (@LaLigaEN) February 11, 2022
Carlo Ancelotti’s Real are now four points clear of second-placed Sevilla at the top as they look to regain the crown they lost to Atletico Madrid last season.
The draw moves Unai Emery’s Villarreal up to fifth, only two points behind Barcelona in the fourth and final Champions League spot.
Real Madrid will turn their focus to Tuesday’s Champions League last-16 first leg at Paris Saint-Germain.
🟡🟣 @VillarrealCFen and @realmadriden claim a point each in a thrilling draw! #VillarrealRealMadrid highlights ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/IHFL0Pu9uG
— LaLiga English (@LaLigaEN) February 12, 2022
Bale was surprisingly named in the starting line-up as the Welshman made his first appearance for Real Madrid since August.
He has suffered from various injuries in the months since, although he has played four times for Wales.
🏴 @GarethBale11 returns to the @realmadriden starting XI!
🔙#VillarrealRealMadrid pic.twitter.com/WJ0M2n05qs
— LaLiga English (@LaLigaEN) February 12, 2022
Bale looked dangerous in patches, with one second-half shot being tipped onto the crossbar by home goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli, before being replaced by Luka Jovic with 15 minutes remaining.