Zinedine Zidane heaps praise on Real Madrid match-winner Gareth Bale

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has hailed the "phenomenal" display of Gareth Bale in this afternoon's come-from-behind victory at Rayo Vallecano.

Real fell 2-0 down early on but fought back to take all three points, with Bale scoring either side of Lucas Vazquez's equaliser.

Bale shone in the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo – missing his first league match of the season with a thigh problem – and Karim Benzema, who had to be substituted with a suspected muscle problem.

"He's a spectacular footballer and he demonstrated that today by scoring a decisive goal," said Zidane.

"Bale has not been fit for long, but physically he was good today.

"More than his two goals he did both offensive and defensive work very well. He improved physically as the game went on, which is important for him and the team. He had a little discomfort, but today he was phenomenal."

Real, who have won nine league games in a row, went top of the table for a short period, but they are now back behind Atletico Madrid, while Barcelona will go above both if they beat Sporting Gijon tonight.