The La Liga leaders' slip-up will provide renewed wish to name opponents Sevilla after their 2-zero win over Elche on Friday. Carlo Ancelotti's Real are now four points clean of 2nd-positioned Sevilla at the pinnacle as they look to regain the crown they lost to Atletico Madrid ultimate season.
The draw actions Unai Emery's Villarreal up to 5th, best two factors in the back of Barcelona within the fourth and very last Champions League spot. Real Madrid will flip their cognizance to Tuesday's Champions League last-sixteen first leg at Paris Saint-Germain.
Bale changed into highly named within the starting line-up as the Welshman made his first look for Real Madrid in view that August. He has suffered from numerous accidents inside the months since, although he has played four instances for Wales. Bale looked dangerous in patches, with one second-half shot being tipped onto the crossbar by way of home goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli, before being replaced via Luka Jovic with 15 mins last.
Karim Benzema turned into missing for Real, who may be desperately hoping that the Frenchman will be healthy for the trip to Paris in 3 days' time.
Villarreal were the extra threatening aspect within the first 1/2. Alberto Moreno struck the post and traveling 'keeper Thibaut Courtois denied Arnaut Danjuma a gap goal with a high-quality store.
Real ruled possession within the second duration, although, with Rulli also saving from Toni Kroos. Ancelotti additionally sent on Eden Hazard in the 82nd minute as his facet driven for a winner, however they created little else.
