A Gareth Bale header and a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty gave Real Madrid a much-needed 2-0 victory over Eibar in La Liga on Sunday, following their hammering by leaders Barcelona last weekend, and put them six points off the top of the standings.

The Welshman notched up his first goal since the end of August when he nodded in a Luka Modric cross two minutes before half time against the small Basque club who have surprised this season and went into the game with one defeat from eight matches.

Real were made to work hard against a battling Eibar but Ronaldo secured the win with a penalty after 82 minutes following a foul by Dani Garcia on Lucas Vazquez.

The win eases the pressure on coach Rafa Benitez following defeats in La Liga against Sevilla and in the ‘Clasico’ last Saturday where they lost 4-0.

Third-placed Real now have 27 points from 13 games, two behind Atletico Madrid, while Barca have 33 points.