Gareth Bale Bags Brace in Real Madrid's 6-0 La Liga Win over Celta Vigo

Real Madrid cruised to a 6-0 win over Celta Vigo during Saturday's La Liga action, powered by Gareth Bale's double.

The Wales international scored the match's first two goals, while Isco and Achraf Hakimi also got on the scoresheet. Sergi Gomez added to the result with an own goal before Toni Kroos put the final score on the board at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Here are the key takeaways from Saturday's outing.

Bale's Audition Was a Success

When Bale scored the equaliser in the Clasico against Barcelona last week, this writer pointed out the Welshman can still be highly effective for Real, provided he doesn't have to work in Ronaldo's shadow.

He got his chance as the main man in attack on Saturday and needed just 30 minutes to score twice. In each instance he timed his run beautifully, with Luka Modric and Isco teeing him up nicely. The second goal was a thing of beauty and a perfect example of Bale's impressive athleticism. Both were the type of runs Bale typically won't make when Ronaldo takes up those same spaces.

As Squawka Football noted, Bale has enjoyed a productive season for Los Blancos:

So what does this mean for Bale's future with Real? He could stick around as a backup option or continue to play a role he's not comfortable with. The more likely scenario sees him leave in the summer, with other clubs noting how successful he can be without Ronaldo at his side. According to Manu Sainz of AS (h/t Football Espana), a transfer is likely.

Zidane Cares Little for Talent Development

Borja Mayoral alluded to his plans to leave Real Madrid last month, telling Gol (via Goal's Jamie Smith) he needs more minutes to continue his development. The academy product was once compared to Raul and seen as one of the club's top young talents, courtesy of his exemplary youth scoring record.

Both he and Jesus Vallejo, another star prospect, had to settle for a spot on the bench yet again, even though Saturday's match was of little consequence.

The battle against Celta provided manager Zinedine Zidane with the perfect opportunity to give both youngsters a start, but instead, he opted for Karim Benzema and Nacho. Achraf Hakimi did start, but Los Blancos have no real backup options at the right-back position apart from the 19-year-old. Mayoral came off the bench in the second half.

Zidane isn't in the business of developing youngsters, and Mayoral and Vallejo should take note and push for a summer move.

Isco Deserves to Start Against Liverpool, but so Do Others

Isco was one of the standouts against Celta, as he has been in plenty of matches this season. The former Malaga man does his job, fits into most systems and has a tendency to play a leading role on the biggest stage―both good and bad.

He got on the scoresheet with a wonder goal against Celta and provided an assist, delighting viewers along the way:

In many ways, the 2017-18 campaign sums up his time in the Spanish capital. Isco deserves a bigger role for all that he's done for the club, but with Toni Kroos, Modric and Casemiro also in the midfield mix and Bale, Marco Asensio and Lucas Vazquez up front, it's not in the cards for him.

He started El Clasico on the bench, and barring injuries, he could find himself in the same situation in the Champions League final.

Iago Aspas Deserves to Go to the World Cup

Celta's most important player has been Aspas, and it hasn't been close.

The former Liverpool man started Saturday's demolition on the bench after missing the last few matches through a hamstring injury, and it's no coincidence the Galicians' winless streak started shortly before he suffered the setback.

Despite what the one-sided final score may suggest, Celta were Real's equals in the first half and had their chances. This match could have gone differently if Aspas had been fit to start, and with 20 goals in La Liga this season, the 30-year-old has earned his spot in the national team.

Here's a look at the stats behind his season:

What's Next

Los Blancos visit Villarreal on May 19, while Celta host Levante.