(Madrid, ESP) - Gareth Bale got his Real Madrid career off to a sensational start with a goal on his debut against Villarreal on Saturday.
The Welshman, who signed a six-year deal for around £80 million ($124 million, 94 million euros) earlier this month, turned home Dani Carvajal's cross from close range to bring Madrid level at 1-1 five minutes before half-time.
Madrid had gone behind to Cani's goal on 20 minutes and had goalkeeper Diego Lopez to thank for keeping them in the game as he made a series of fine saves.
Bale was starting a competitive match for the first time since the end of last season after being somewhat surprisingly chosen in Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti's starting line-up.
And as the Italian indicated in his pre-match press conference, Bale lined up on the right side of the attack with Cristiano Ronaldo on the left.
Asier Illarramendi was also making his bow for Los Blancos in midfield after joining from Real Sociedad for 39 million euros back in July.
However, a makeshift Madrid defence struggled to contain a pacy Villarreal front four and Cani deservedly gave the hosts the lead when his skewed shot from inside the area found a way past Lopez.
The Madrid keeper then made a stunning double save to deny Javier Aquino.
And that was to prove crucial as Madrid headed into the break level as Bale timed his run into the middle of the area to perfection to prod Carvajal's low cross home with his right foot.
