Gareth Bale Brace Leads Real Madrid Back to Draw 2-2 vs. Villarreal in La Liga

Gareth Bale scored twice and was sent off in stoppage time as Real Madrid were held to a 2-2 draw by Villarreal at the Estadio de la Ceramica in La Liga on Sunday.

Bale hit back to answer goals from Gerard Moreno and Moi Gomez, but he also committed two fouls in stoppage time to earn a pair of yellow cards and a late dismissal.

The stalemate is Los Blancos' second in as many matches following last week's 1-1 draw at home to Real Valladolid. Even so, Bale's goals helped Real take a point despite being without injured stars Eden Hazard, James Rodriguez, Isco and Marco Asensio.

Manager Zinedine Zidane hasn't always appeared to be the forward's biggest fan, but Bale remains a marquee talent who can deliver when his club needs him:

With so many players missing through injury, Real needed to rely on the experience of skipper Sergio Ramos. Yet the 33-year-old centre-back was found wanting when he lost the ball just inside his own half and started a Villarreal break led by Karl Toko Ekambi.

The Cameroon international dragged a shot Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois could only parry. His gaffe left Moreno with a simple finish from close range.

Staying strong between the posts has been a problem for former Chelsea stopper Courtois:

Villarreal were bossing possession while Real's best playmaker, Luka Modric, languished on the bench. The Yellow Submarine moved the ball quickly and neatly between the lines, effortlessly combining in the pockets of space Real's erratic team shape had created.

Typically, Villarreal's most enterprising play was being dictated by Santi Cazorla. The ex-Arsenal schemer was finding room with ease and releasing runners with deft touches and intelligent distribution.

For all of the hosts' endeavour with the ball, Real were still posing a significant threat on the break. Karim Benzema hit the post, while Lucas Vazquez struck the side netting.

Villarreal appeared destined to maintain the lead at the break, but Los Blancos finally put together a slick combination of passes in the final third.

The move involved a back-heel from Luka Jovic to release right-back Dani Carvajal in behind. He quickly picked out Bale for a tap-in.

It was a welcome goal for a player whose future has been in doubt all summer. Fortunately for Bale, scoring against Villarreal has always been a happy habit.

Real were supposed to be less reliant on Bale thanks to the summer arrivals of several quality attackers, including Jovic.

The striker who thrived for Eintracht Frankfurt last season has been steadily adapting to life in the Spanish top flight, but his contribution to Bale's goal proved the Serbia international has what it takes:

It was the visitors who exerted most of the pressure after the break, with Toni Kroos twice going close. However, Real couldn't find the finishing touch, largely because in-form Benzema looked strangely out of sorts whenever chances came his way and struggled to time his runs.

The Frenchman's profligacy looked like it would be punished when Gomez finished emphatically from close range with 16 minutes to go. 

Bale was still looking in the mood, though, and the influence of Modric helped him strike again. The latter had replaced Jovic on 68 minutes and finally found his passing range when he played in Bale with four minutes left.

A smart low shot yielded his brace after Bale had cut in from the flank and offered a timely reminder of his importance in Zidane's squad.

Not even the late sending off should leave Real in any doubt about how much this team needs a player of Bale's obvious quality.

What's Next?

Real host Levante on Saturday, September 14, while Villarreal will be in Leganes on the same day.