MADRID - Gareth Bale says speculation concerning his health following his record R1.34bn transfer to Real Madrid has been "blown out of proportion massively."

Bale went on late to help Madrid beat Malaga 2-0 on Saturday, making his fourth appearance in eight possible matches after recovering from his second leg injury since his blockbuster move this summer.

"It was just a little thigh strain," Bale said of the injury that newspaper Marca had speculated was a back hernia that could require surgery.

"I think the fact that I haven't had a lot of game time and pre-season games or training or running, you always pick up little niggles. I think everything was blown out of proportion massively."

The Wales winger went on with 15 minutes to play and earned a questionable penalty after a brush with Malaga defender Weligton.

Cristiano Ronaldo converted the spot kick in injury time to double the lead established by Angel di Maria.