A stunning long-range strike from Gareth Bale helped Spanish giants Real Madrid move three points clear of title rivals Barcelona and Atletico Madrid as they beat Elche 3-0 in a Spanish League clash at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday
Real Madrid's Welsh striker Gareth Bale during a Spanish League tie against Elche at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday. Real won 3-0. Pic/AFP
Madrid: A stunning long-range strike from Gareth Bale helped Spanish giants Real Madrid move three points clear of title rivals Barcelona and Atletico Madrid as they beat Elche 3-0 in a Spanish League clash at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday.
Real Madrid's Welsh striker Gareth Bale during a Spanish League tie against Elche at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday. Real won 3-0. Pic/AFP
After an unconvincing start, Asier Illarramendi's deflected effort had given the hosts a half-time lead.
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Bale then made the game safe 19 minutes from time when he collected possession midway inside the Elche half and blasted the ball in off the underside of the bar.
Finally, Isco rounded off Real Madrid's 15th win in 16 matches in all competitions when he slammed home the third from Karim Benzema's pass nine minutes later.
Barcelona can regain top spot with a win away at Real Sociedad on Saturday, whilst Atletico Madrid will also be looking to keep pace with their city rivals when they travel to Osasuna on Sunday.