Real Madrid defeat Leganes 2-1 in La Liga

Goals from Bale and Mayoral make sure that Los Blancos win at the Santiago Bernabeu for the first time in four games in all competitions.

Madrid: Real Madrid defeated Leganes 2-1, earning its first win at Santiago Bernabeu in more than a month on Saturday with goals from Bale and Mayoral ensuring the three points. With an eye on the second leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final clash against Bayern Munich, Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane made plenty of changes to the starting lineup. Zidane only included one regular starter Casemiro in the starting lineup and Bale was finally given the opportunity in the starting lineup. The Welshman looked very threatening to the Leganes defense and broke the deadlock in the 8th minute of the game with a left-footed effort. Real Madrid lacked intensity, something Leganes took advantage of, as it threatened the home side goal with Miguel Angel Guerrero firing into the woodwork. Borja Mayoral could have doubled Real Madrid's lead as he connected an Achraf Hakimi cross, but his shot was blocked by a defender. However, Mayoral managed to score Real's second goal in the first-half last gasp. Real looked comfortable after the halftime controlling the possession and did not create enough attacks giving chances to Leganes to attack. Leganes' Darko Brasanac scored a goal off a cross by Nordin Amrabat at minute 66. The away side still looked very dangerous and created many attacks but failed to capitalize on them. With the win Real now have 71 points and only a single point behind arch-rivals Atletico Madrid who are second with 72 points.