Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has praised Gareth Bale for his "brilliant" performance against Elche today.

The Welshman scored the second of Madrid's three goals at the Bernabeu, as Los Blancos climbed to the top of the La Liga table.

"I'm satisfied because we demonstrated that we are solid," Ancelotti is quoted as saying by Four Four Two.

"We could have played better but I'm happy. Bale's performance was good before the goal and brilliant after it."

Barcelona's defeat tonight ensures that Madrid remain three points clear at the summit.