Real Sociedad 0 -1 Real Madrid: Bale Keeps Madrid In Title Challenge

A late header from Gareth Bale kept Real Madrid's La Liga title challenge alive as it battled to a 1-0 win at Real Sociedad on Saturday.

Zinedine Zidane's side went into the match just a point behind leader Barcelona and second-placed Atletico Madrid and knowing that victory would take it top of the table for at least a few hours, with both its rivals playing later in the day.

With Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema injured and one eye perhaps on the visit of Manchester City in Wednesday's Champions League semifinal second leg, Madrid struggled to break down a resilient Sociedad side which beat Barca at Anoeta just three weeks ago.

Bale missed three clear-cut chances, while Jese Rodriguez was also thwarted by goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli and a stubborn home defense.

But the Welshman, whose late goal secured the 3-2 comeback win over Rayo Vallecano last week, steered in a powerful header in the 80th minute to salvage a win which piles pressure back on Atletico and Barca.