Madrid Really United Says Bale

Real Madrid are a "united" club despite a difficult few weeks on and off the pitch, says Wales forward Gareth Bale.

Rafael Benitez's side lost heavily to Barcelona last month before being expelled from the Copa del Rey for fielding an ineligible player.

However, they are just four points behind leaders Barca after a 4-1 win over Getafe on Saturday.

"What matters most is that the team are united, that we win games and try to get better every day," said Bale.

Bale scored in the win over Getafe, the Wales international's fourth La Liga goal of the season.

It was Real's first game since they were expelled from the Copa del Rey for fielding ineligible Russian winger Denis Cheryshev against third-tier Cadiz last Wednesday.

Last month Benitez, who was only appointed in the summer, received the backing of Real Madrid president Florentino Perez following his side's 4-0 defeat by Barcelona.

Speaking about his own form this season, Bale added: "Personally speaking, I feel comfortable with where I'm being played on the pitch and I always do the best I can.

"It's nice to score but the most important thing is the team. I have a good relationship with Rafa Benitez."

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The BBC Secure Real Victory

Real Madrid ended a turbulent week off the pitch on a high when Karim Benzema struck twice and Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale scored a goal apiece in a 4-1 victory over Getafe in La Liga.

Real were expelled from the Copa del Rey on Friday after fielding an ineligible player in Wednesday’s last-32, first-leg tie at third-tier Cadiz, the latest setback in a difficult few weeks for the world’s richest club by income. Hammered 4-0 at home by Barcelona last month, Real needed a strong performance against their city neighbours Getafe to relieve the pressure on Rafa Benítez.

The Real coach, who took over from the sacked Carlo Ancelotti at the end of last season, was roundly whistled when his name was read out with the team lists before kick-off and there were more chants during the game calling for the club’s president, Florentino Pérez, to step down.

The France forward Benzema, whose legal problems have been another of Real’s off-field distractions, opened the scoring in the fourth minute when he volleyed in Pepe’s cross. Benzema, who is under investigation over his alleged involvement in an attempt to blackmail France team-mate Mathieu Valbuena with a sex video, added a second in the 16th minute with a low shot into the corner.

Bale made it 3-0 in the 35th after being set up by Ronaldo, who put Real out of sight against a woeful Getafe when he finished off a swift break three minutes later.

The afternoon marked the first time this season Benzema, Bale and Ronaldo, collectively known as “BBC”, have scored in the same La Liga game.

Real eased off in the second half and the Getafe defender Alexis Ruano pulled a goal back at a 70th-minute corner, prompting more whistles directed at their own team from some sections of the home crowd.

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