Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane hails Gareth Bale as he wraps up win over Espanyol on injury comeback

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Zinedine Zidane hailed Gareth Bale as a 'special player' after the Wales forward marked his return from a three-month injury lay-off with a well-taken finish to seal Real Madrid's 2-0 win over Espanyol at the Bernabeu.

Bale had been sidelined since the Champions League group match at Sporting Lisbon on November 22 after needing surgery on tendon damage in his ankle.

The 27-year-old, though, made an impact on his comeback when, having come on for the final 20 minutes, he raced onto a pass from Isco down the left and slotted the ball into the far corner.

Gareth Bale gave Real Madrid a boost by scoring on his return from a long-term ankle injury

A first-half header from Alvaro Morata had set Real Madrid, fielding a much-changed starting XI, on course for victory, which saw them move four points clear of Barcelona, who will have played two matches more after they host Leganes on Sunday.

Zidane said at a press conference: 'I am happy to have (Bale) back. He was eager to get back playing again. When he came on, I told him to go out and enjoy himself.

'He is a special player, he's different from the rest, but each player does their bit.

'It doesn't look like he's been out for three months. He's very powerful, he makes the difference and that's why he's special.'

Zinedine Zidane said it was great to welcome the Welshman back to the first-team squad

Zidane added: 'Gareth is Gareth. We have only got one Gareth Bale, but we've got other players who are doing a great job'.

The Real head coach had made the expected sweeping changes from the team which beat Napoli in their midweek Champions League last 16 first-leg tie.

Croatian playmaker Luka Modric and forward Karim Benzema were among those rested completely, while Marcelo and Casemiro were named among the substitutes along with Bale.

Pepe came into the centre of defence to partner Frenchman Raphael Varane while Lucas Vazquez and Alvaro Morata led the attack alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.

Bale came off the bench to score the second goal against Espanyol, sealing the victory

Zidane believes the collective performance to get the required result shows the strength in depth now available.

He added: 'I am happy because it shows they are all focused and committed to what we are doing.

'It is more difficult for the players who get less minutes, but they don't show it. You can see they are all prepared when the team needs them and that's great.

'We have got 24 very good players and we want to be all together in everything we do. The players are happy to be able to help the team when they get their chance, that's the most important thing.'

Bale's return to action is a boost as Real Madrid look to win La Liga for the first time since 2012

The Frechman is confident the group is ready to tackle the defining period of the season.

'We know we have got a lot of games and we will need everyone,' Zidane said.

'Now we have two games away from home (against Valencia and Villarreal), there are only two teams that can pick up more points on Wednesday and that is crucial. Then next weekend it's another difficult away trip.'