The world's most expensive player, who cost Real around 100 million euros (84 million pounds) when he was signed from Tottenham Hotspur three weeks ago, has made two appearances so far away at Villarreal, where he scored, and at Galatasaray in the Champions League.
Real medical staff could be seen attending to Bale's left thigh as the sides warmed up and soon afterwards Isco was named in the starting 11 in his place with Raphael Varane on the bench.
There has been great expectation among home fans to see Bale play in a Real shirt at the Bernabeu for the first time, on a day local newspaper Marca had dubbed 'B-Day'.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
(Reporting by Mark Elkington; Editing by John Mehaffey)
