Gareth Bale, the world's most expensive player at $135 million, is hoping to kick-start his career with Real Madrid after returning to action in its 2-0 win over Malaga on Saturday.

The Welshman was introduced as a substitute with just 13 minutes remaining, but still had time to make an impact as he was fouled by Weligton inside the area in stoppage time to allow Cristiano Ronaldo to stroke home Real's second goal from the penalty spot.

Bale's first six weeks in the Spanish capital have been marred by slight muscular injuries that have restricted him to just four appearances so far.