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Real Madrid's La Liga title challenge still alive as they battled to a 1-0 win at Real Sociedad on Saturday

The Wales international scored late in the second half to keep his side's hopes of winning La Liga alive in a closely-fought affair at the Anoeta Stadium on Saturday A late header from Gareth Bale kept Real Madrid's La Liga title challenge alive as they battled to a 1-0 win at Real Sociedad on Saturday



Zinedine Zidane's side went into the match just a point behind leaders Barcelona and Atletico Madrid and knowing that victory would take them top of the table for at least a few hours, with both their rivals playing later in the day.

With Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema injured and one eye perhaps on the visit of Manchester City in Wednesday's Champions League semi-final second leg, Madrid struggled to break down a resilient Sociedad side who beat Barca at Anoeta just three weeks ago. Bale missed three clear-cut chances, while Jese Rodriguez was also thwarted by goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli and a stubborn home defence.

But the Welshman, whose late goal secured the 3-2 comeback with over Rayo Vallecano last week, steered in a powerful header in the 80th minute to salvage a win which piles pressure back on Barca and Atletico.

James Rodriguez was handed the chance to impress from the start by Zidane and the Colombia star came closest to a goal in the first 10 minutes, forcing Rulli into a good low save at his near post after a fine Luka Modric pass.

Bale twice headed half-chances past the near post but Madrid were too often sloppy in the final third, a problem summed up when James shot straight at Rulli when teed up by Jese.
A late header from Gareth Bale kept

Isco found Lucas Vazquez wide on the right and Bale converted his cross high past Rulli at the near post with an emphatic header with just 10 minutes of normal time left to play.

Sociedad pushed for an equaliser and Keylor Navas, largely a spectator throughout, made a fine low stop to hold on to Mikel Oyarzabal's header from Asier Illarramendi's cross.

But Madrid held on to keep the pressure on Barca and Atleti and can now turn their focus on their crucial midweek meeting with City.

[Goal]



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