Bale scores on return as Real Madrid beat Espanyol with minimum effort
Morata also scored as Zinedine Zidane's side moved four points clear at the top of the league
Gareth Bale scored on his return to competitive action as Real Madrid beat Espanyol 2-0 to move four points clear at the top of La Liga.
Barcelona can cut that gap down to one point with a win against Leganes on Sunday, although by the end of the weekend Madrid will have two games in hand over their nearest title rivals.
Alvaro Morata had opened the scoring in the first before Bale, playing for the first time since November, added the second inside the final 10 minutes.
Espanyol offered little in attack, although Quique Sanchez Flores said after the game that he was happy with the organisation and shape of his side, even though they conceded twice.
A heavily rotated Madrid side took the lead in the 33rd minute when Isco teed up Morata, who piled the pressure on Karim Benzema by taking his chance.
Isco was again the provider for Bale in the second half.
The Spaniard sent the Welshman through on the left and he fired across former Madrid stopper Diego Lopez to seal the three points.
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