Gareth Bale double gives Real Madrid winning start

Madrid will also be without Karim Benzema versus Sociedad and Zidane is adamant they will not rush the Frenchman’s comeback.

In the first minute Gareth Bale appeared and scored with a superb header after a flawless crossing by Carvajal.

Judging by the way Madrid blew away Sevilla in the UEFA Super Cup, Real Sociedad, in theory, should not pose much of a problem. He showed that last season and I think he can continue in the same way this season.

David Zurutuza, Markel Bergara and former Madrid man Asier Illarramendi will anchor the midfield with David Concha and Mikel Oyarzabal offering support to Juanmi, the ex-Malaga forward signed from Southampton this summer.

Morata seemed determined to mark his Madrid return from Juventus with a goal and after evading two challenges, drilled in a shot which Rulli blocked at his near post.

Zidane will be counting on Gareth Bale to lead Madrid’s attack in Ronaldo and Benzema’s absence and he is confident the Welshman is ready to step up. It was commendable composure for a 20-year-old making his first LaLiga start.

The hosts claimed a penalty early in the second period when Markel Bergara went down under challenge from Carvajal, but he arguably should have tried harder to make telling contact as the ball came to him from the right.

Real continued to dominate in the second half and were unlucky not to have added a third as Toni Kroos’ volley rattled the crossbar in the 55th minute. Asensio had a great game, but so did (Mateo) Kovacic and others.

James Rodriguez has been asked to leave and in all probability will not feature, while Isco is expected to start on the bench.

Los Blancos’ last domestic crown came in 2011-12 under Jose Mourinho and since then have had to look on as both Atletico and Barcelona have topped the standings in recent years.