Gareth Bale: 'Real Madrid proved quality against Basel'

Gareth Bale has claimed that Real Madrid proved what they are made of by kicking off their Champions League campaign with a 5-1 victory over Basel on Tuesday night.

A disappointing start to their La Liga season has seen questions raised about Carlo Ancelotti's tactics and the club's transfer activity, and Bale admits that it was pleasing to see the team return to form as they look to retain the European title.

"We knew that we needed to start the game well after some poor results, but we showed what we're made of," the Welsh winger told ITV Sport. "We felt we needed to get back on track and that's a good way to do it.

"I think we go out on the pitch, try to enjoy ourselves, play our best football and hopefully we win - thankfully we did that."

Madrid will meet Deportivo La Coruna when La Liga returns on Saturday.