Bale strikes early as Madrid cruise past Legia Warsaw in CL

Madrid [Spain], Oct.19 (ANI): Striker Gareth Bale struck his first European goal since 2014 as Real Madrid registered a crushing 5-1 win over Legia Warsaw in their Champions League Group F clash here at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on Wednesday. The 27-year-old Welsh professional put Madrid ahead in the 16th minute with a curled left-foot drive before an own goal by Legia's Tomasz doubled their lead just three minutes later, the Guardian reported. In the 22nd minute of the match, midfielder Miroslav Radovic finally pulled one back for Legia Warsaw from the penalty spot. Midfielder Marco Asensio, who was making his Champions League debut, then made it 3-1 for Madrid in the 37th minute with a low shot before substitute Lucas Vazquez volleyed home a cross in the 68th minute. Just six minutes prior to the final whistle, former Juventus striker Alvaro Morata converted a pass from star striker Cristiano Ronaldo into a goal to give Zinedine Zidane' side a perfect finish. Although Ronaldo failed to score his 100th goal in UEFA competitions, he had done enough to help his team amid his current dry run. In another group clash, reigning Premier League champions Leicester City edged past Kobenhavn 1-0 at King Power Stadium. Real are currently standing second in their group, level on seven points with leaders Borussia Dortmund, who clinched 2-1 win at Sporting Lisbon. The Zidane-led side will once again lock horns with Legia Warsaw on November 3. (ANI)