Gareth Bale scores on Real Madrid debut
The world's most expensive signing makes an immediate impact for Real as the HK$1 billion man scores in his team's 2-2 draw with Villarreal
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti hailed world record signing Gareth Bale's attitude after the Welshman scored on his debut in the Spanish giants' 2-2 draw with Villarreal.
Real broke the transfer record when they paid Tottenham Hotspur €100 million (HK$1.03 billion) to sign the winger this month and he struck in the 38th minute at the El Madrigal to cancel out Cani's opener for the hosts.
The 24-year-old was withdrawn by Ancelotti along with fellow debutant Asier Illarramendi on the hour mark due to their lack of match fitness.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who has agreed to a contract extension with the club, then briefly put Real ahead before Giovani dos Santos, like Bale a former Tottenham player, struck 21 minutes from time to ensure the spoils were shared.
Ancelotti was happy with the contribution of his new players.
"I think they did well. I didn't want to run the risk of playing them for 90 minutes because it is not good for them in their first game for a while," he said.