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MADRID — Gareth Bale ended a run of 802 minutes without a goal in the Spanish La Liga as Real Madrid won 1-0 at bottom side Huesca on Sunday night to climb back to within five points of leaders Barcelona. The Welshman struck his first goal in the league since the start of September to lift Real to a fourth win in five matches and move the European champions up to fourth place. “He (Bale) and the rest of the team were all fantastic. He scored a great goal and it was enough to get the win,” said Real coach Santiago Solari.

“His goal and the general character of the team were crucial in taking all three points.” “It wasn’t a game to remember, but if you want to win La Liga, you have to win these matches,” the Argentine added. Bale put a halt to his longest spell without scoring in the league since joining Real as he expertly cushioned in a volley from an arcing cross by Alvaro Odriozola on eight minutes.

Huesca winger Ezequiel Avila forced a brilliant stop from Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, the Belgium international punching the ball to safety midway through the first half.
Bale nearly added to his haul on 25 minutes when his fierce drive from the edge of the area was tipped over by a scrambling Jovanovic. — AFP.