Bale’s debut on Saturday night lasted just over an hour and his departure passed the spotlight back to Cristiano Ronaldo, the player he replaced as the world’s most expensive, who fortuitously put the visitors in front in the 64th minute.

The home side deservedly earned a point, though, and secured it when their own former Spurs wideman Giovani dos Santos struck in the 70th minute
Ancelotti said: “It was a difficult match. I don’t think that was the worst that we have played,” Ancelotti told Real’s official website.

“The team’s reaction after the first goal was good. We scored two goals and could have won but it’s a fair result because Villarreal played well. They are a good team.

“He (Bale) is happy to score his first goal for Real Madrid. He played in a difficult match and he played well, showing his good attitude. It was a hard match for everyone.”

Barcelona struggle
Barcelona needed an injury-time winner from Alexis Sanchez to beat Sevilla 3-2. Dani Alves scored the opener after which Lionel Messi made it 2-2 with 15 mis to go. But Sevilla then scored twice in 10 minutes (Ivan Rakitic & Coke), before Sanchez prodded home. u00a0