Gareth Bale pleased to come through much-needed 90 minutes for Real Madrid
Sunday 19 March 2017 21:13, UK
Gareth Bale says he is inching back to his best after completing his first full game for Real Madrid since mid-November.
Karim Benzema and Casemiro were on target for Real as they ended Athletic Bilbao's seven-month unbeaten home run with a 2-1 win at San Mames, extending their lead at the top of La Liga to five points.
Live International Football: FIFA World Cup 2018 Qualifiers
Bale has been eased back into Zinedine Zidane's team since returning from ankle surgery but was sidelined again through suspension after he was sent off against Las Palmas at the beginning of the month.
"It's been frustrating after my red card and my operation and coming back from injury but it's 90 minutes under my belt which I needed," Bale told Sky Sports after his side's win.
"It was very difficult fitness-wise but I am getting there slowly and I think with every 90 minutes now I will keep improving and getting better and stronger.
"My injury still hasn't fully adapted yet. I've spoken to people who have had this injury before and it takes a bit of time to adapt back to playing full-time and everything so I have to be patient, but also I have to keep working hard."
Sky customers can now upgrade to Sky Sports and get 12 months for just £18 per month. Upgrade now!
