Real Madrid 2-0 Tottenham: Gareth Bale strikes against his former club after James Rodriguez's opener in Audi Cup clash

Real Madrid beat Tottenham in the opening game of Munich's Audi Cup

James Rodriguez headed in the opening goal at the Allianz Arena

Former Spurs star Gareth Bale struck in the second half to make it 2-0

Welsh winger went for a low-key celebration after firing past Michel Vorm

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Just as you thought he would, Gareth Bale returned to haunt Tottenham on Tuesday night, albeit in a pre-season friendly.

The Welshman, up against his former employers for the first time since he joined Real Madrid for a world-record £86million in 2013, rifled a 25-yard drive past stand-in goalkeeper Michel Vorm to cap a 2-0 victory for Rafa Benitez’s men in the Audi Cup semi-final in Munich.

Bale, 26, had been hard working but relatively quiet against Mauricio Pochettino’s side, playing as a number 10 rather than on the wing.

But he burst into life on 79 minutes to seal victory for the Spaniards in a sometimes feisty clash at the Allianz Arena after Colombia star James Rodriguez’s simple header had given the La Liga giants a first-half lead.

Bale declined the opportunity to celebrate and was substituted shortly after his goal, but his sumptuous hit was a reminder of what Spurs fans used to feast on at White Hart Lane.

It was also the highlight of an often tedious affair.

Pre-season friendlies tend to be like the last day at school. Everyone is there and they all look the same, but nobody is acting like they usually do and nobody learns anything.

However, if anything is to be gleaned from this kick-about in stifling Bavarian heat, it is that injured Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris cannot come back quick enough and that bad defensive habits die hard.

Last season, despite finishing fifth, Spurs shipped 53 goals – the same number as Burnley.