Gareth Bale has said that Real Madrid "need to be more consistent" if they are to win the La Liga title this season.

The Spanish giants won their final 12 league matches last campaign to launch a late challenge, but could not prevent Barcelona from defending their title.

Zinedine Zidane's side also won their opening four league games of the new season, but have since drawn back-to-back matches against Villarreal and Las Palmas, and Bale has spoken of the need for 'consistency' this term.

"We need to be more consistent. We had a very good end of the season last year, but we need to be better at the start and in the middle," Bale told Sport.

"Ultimately, the most consistent team wins the league. We came very close last year - not close enough, but we're going to work harder as a team together. Hopefully, at the end of the season, we're lifting that trophy."

Real Madrid have not lifted the Spanish title since 2012, but they have won the Champions League in two of the last three seasons.