• La Liga

Madrid draw despite Bale goal

Gareth Bale tucked home the first equaliser © Getty Images

Enlarge

Gareth Bale had a bittersweet debut for Real Madrid following his world record transfer as he scored but could not prevent his new team from drawing 2-2 at Villarreal.

Other than Bale's goal in the 38th minute, Madrid were outplayed in the first half and only Diego Lopez's goalkeeping kept it 1-1 by half-time after Cani beat him in the 21st minute.

After an exhausted Bale was substituted in the 62nd minute, Cristiano Ronaldo hit Villarreal on the break two minutes later to put Madrid in front.

But Cani's hard strike led to Giovani Dos Santos pulling Villarreal level 20 minutes from time.

Alexis Sanchez scored the winner in the fourth minute of stoppage time as Barcelona claimed a slightly fortunate 3-2 victory over winless Sevilla to maintain their 100% record at the top of La Liga.

Lionel Messi forced his way through the defence by sheer force of will and pulled the ball back with Beto's parry pounced on by Sanchez, who fired the ball home for the winner.

Dani Alves had put the hosts ahead in the 36th minute only for the referee to controversially disallow a Sevilla goal from a corner when there appeared to be nothing wrong with it.

Gallingly for Sevilla, Messi doubled the lead in the 75th minute with a well-crafted goal. Cesc Fabregas' pass to Neymar at the right of the area was in turn passed first-time by the Brazilian across the box with Messi firing high into the centre of the net.

However, Ivan Rakitic pulled one back and Sevilla appeared to have earned a draw with a last-minute volley from Coke, only for Alexis to break their hearts at the end of stoppage time.

Download ESPN's new UK sport app, a fresh and powerful new way to follow your favourite UK sports news, scores and video.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd