Bale back in training for Real

Gareth Bale handed Real Madrid a fitness boost by returning to training with the Liga giants on Thursday. Wales international Bale has been hindered by calf problems this season and missed Wednesday’s 3-0 win over Villarreal due to a minor back injury. That victory kept Zinedine Zidane’s men within a point of defending champions Barcelona at the top of the table and Bale is back to bolster their challenge ahead of Saturday’s short trip to Rayo Vallecano.