REAL MADRID returned to La Liga without Cristiano Ronaldo and got back to winning ways thanks to Dani Carvajal and Gareth Bale goals.

The Bernabeu giants finished a miserable third in the league last season but perked themselves up with a third consecutive Champions League win.

4 Dani Carvajal blew a kiss into the crowd after getting off the mark for the 2018-19 season Credit: Getty - Contributor

There were just 48,466 fans in attendance, the lowest crowd for a league game at the Bernabeu since May 2009 - before Ronaldo joined the club.

Right-back Dani Carvajal lasted just 37 minutes of the match before having to be withdrawn with injury.

But he popped up with the opener against Getafe, after 20 minutes, to get his side’s domestic campaign off to a bright start.

Wales hero Bale fired in a cross from the left that goalkeeper David Soria got a fist to.

But the ball fell perfectly for the defender to get under and arc a looping header up and over the keeper and in to the net.

4 Gareth Bale earned an assist after his cross was punched into Carvajal's path Credit: AFP OR LICENSORS

4 Defender Dani Carvajal headed home a looping ball over the goalkeeper Credit: AFP OR LICENSORS

Gareth Bale and Jack Whitehall prank unsuspecting people at a waxwork museum in Madrid

It was the first time in four La Liga seasons that Bale had not scored Madrid’s campaign opener but he is already off the mark for assists.

But he killed off the tie early in the second half when his left boot swiped home a cross.

On 51 minutes the Galacticos were two up and it was Bale with the finish.

Marcos Asensio did the doggy work down the left flank before fizzing a cross into the Getafe box.

4 Gareth Bale celebrated his goal with clenched fists and a poked tongue Credit: AFP OR LICENSORS

The Welsh wizard had enough time to take a touch but instead he swept it home with a first-time finish at the far post.

Lionel Messi got Barcelona off to a flyer on Saturday, notching two in a 3-0 win over Deportivo Alaves.

But Madrid did a clinical job in almost matching their bitter rivals on their opening night.