Bale inspires Madrid to opening win, Atletico held for controversial draw

27-year-old scored two goals as Los Blancos defeat Real Sociedad 3-0 on Sunday

BARCELONA: A Gareth Bale brace and a Marco Asensio lob helped Real Madrid make light work of Real Sociedad, running out 3-0 winners at Anoeta in their opening game of the season in La Liga.

Back from his post-Euro 2016 holidays, Bale was the only member of the renowned 'BBC' forward line who was fit enough to play in Sunday's game, as Zinedine Zidane's team travelled to San Sebastian in the midst of an injury crisis, with five regular starters unable to make the squad.

As well as star forwards Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, Luka Modric, Keylor Navas and Pepe were also ruled out, but it didn't stop Madrid earning a convincing win at a notoriously tricky venue, thanks to Bale's two goals.

"I'm happy for him," said Zidane. "Physically he's behind the others and you couldn't tell. He started in the best way, with an early goal. He's already said it's an important year for him, and he's showing that."

Bale was picked despite having appeared in just one friendly in pre-season, but the Welshman got Madrid off to a flying start, leaping into the air to powerfully nod home Dani Carvajal's tempting cross in only the second minute.

PHOTO: REUTERS

It was then Asensio who doubled the lead in the 40th minute with an effortless lob after he was sent through by Raphael Varane's pass, scooping the ball over the goalkeeper with ease.

Zidane acknowledged the 20-year-old's fine form was a selection problem for him. "I had to decide and he went out from the start and did well. It's a headache picking the line-up. Asensio had a great game, but so did [Mateo] Kovacic and others. The important thing is the team," Zidane said.

Home coach Eusebio Sacristan blamed himself for the heavy home defeat. "The person most responsible for what happened is me and if we are capable of facing up to Real Madrid, that is my responsibility," he explained.

"The players are absolutely committed, but it's clear we have to work hard to improve and correct our errors as soon as possible."

PHOTO: AFP

In another important match of the night, Madrid’s city rival Atletico Madrid had to settle for a 1-1 draw at home to Alaves after a crazy finish to their game at the Vicente Calderon.

Diego Simeone's side won a debatable penalty three minutes into stoppage time when Victor Laguardia was adjudged to have fouled Fernando Torres and summer signing Kevin Gameiro netted from the spot.

But there was still time for Manu Garcia to equalise for the newly promoted visitors with their first shot on target of the evening.