Welsh star Gareth Bale continued his fine form since returning from injury after he scored the opener in a 3-0 win over their 10-man hosts Numancia in the 1st leg of their Spanish Copa Del Rey Round of 16.

Bale gave Madrid a first half lead from the penalty spot before second half goals from Isco (penalty) and Borja Mayoral made it a comprehensive we win thus rendering next week’s second leg at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu almost academical.

In the pick of the other ties, Champions Barcelona were forced to a 1-1 draw at Celta Vigo in their first leg clash at the Balaidos.

José Arnaiz’s early strike for the Catalan giants was cancelled out by Pione Sisto to setup a mouthwatering second leg match at the Nou Camp.

Results (Thursday):

Espanyol 1-2 Levante

Celta Vigo 1-1 Barcelona

Numancia 0-3 Real Madrid

Leganes 1-0 Villareal

Las Palmas 1-1 Valencia