Gareth Bale was the late Real Madrid hero – as they drew 2-2 away at Villarreal CF.
The Welsh international was heavily linked with a move away from the club this summer, but he played a key role, with a goal in either half to rescue Real Madrid from a first La Liga defeat of the season.
Gerard Moreno handed the home side the lead on 7 minutes, reacted quickly to a loose ball, after Thibaut Courtois saved Karl Toko Ekambi's shot.
Los Blancos had chances to find an equaliser, with Sergio Ramos and Casemiro both heading off target, before Bale tapped home Dani Carvajal's cross on the stroke of half time.
The hosts looked to take the initiative after the break, but Villarreal goal keeper Andres did well to keep out efforts from Bale and Karim Benzema.
Real Madrid's wastefulness was punished as Moi Gomez put Villarreal CF back in front with fifteen minutes to go, however it was left to Bale to have the final say..
With four minutes to go, he collected Luka Modric's pass to slot home from a tight angle.
