Real’s comeback stuns Villarreal

Madrid: Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale both scored as Real Madrid staged a remarkable late comeback from two goals down to win 3-2 at Villarreal and stay top of La Liga on Sunday.

Substitute Alvaro Morata got the winner in the 83rd minute to cap a 19-minute turnaround that keeps Zinedine Zidane's side on course for their first La Liga triumph since 2012 after Barca's talisman Lionel Messi had briefly sent his side top with a late strike in the 2-1 victory at Atletico Madrid.

Real lead on 55 points, one ahead of Barcelona and three clear of Sevilla. Real also have a game in hand on both of their title rivals. The first half was a lively affair which saw plenty of chances for both sides but all the goals came after the break.

Villarreal's Manu Trigueros lashed home from inside the area to put the hosts ahead on 50 minutes and Cedric Bakambu doubled the lead in the 57th with a fine finish past Keylor Navas, though he was fortunate not to be ruled offside.

Bale, making his first start since November, headed a goal back in the 64th before Ronaldo levelled with a controversial penalty 10 minutes later.