La Liga: Barcelona down Madrid as Bale flops

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Gareth Bale had an El Clasico debut to forget as Barcelona beat Real Madrid 2-1 at the Camp Nou thanks to goals from Neymar and Alexis Sanchez.

Bale had been surprisingly selected for just his second start since joining the club by Real boss Carlo Ancelotti, but struggled to make an impression as Barca dominated the first-half.

Neymar gave the hosts a deserved lead with a neat finish from a narrow angle on 19 minutes before Lionel Messi ought to have doubled the advantage when he fired wide moments later.

Bale was replaced by Karim Benzema on the hour mark and the Frenchman nearly made an instant impact when he smashed the crossbar with 21 minutes remaining.

However, Sanchez sealed the points 12 minutes from time with a delightful chip over Diego Lopez.

Substitute Jese Rodriguez pulled a goal back for Madrid in stoppage time, but it was too little too late as Barca moved six points clear of their rivals at the top of La Liga.