MADRID, Spain -- David Beckham scored with a stunning free kick as he returned to Real Madrid's starting line-up in a 2-1 Primera Liga victory at Real Sociedad on Saturday.
After being told by coach Fabio Capello that he would not be picked again this season, after agreeing to join Los Angeles Galaxy at the end of the campaign, Beckham was recalled and justified the decision with an impressive 37th minute equalizer.
Another former Manchester United player, Ruud van Nistelrooy headed Madrid's winner three minutes after the restart.
Beckham was named in the starting lineup for only the sixth time this season a day after Capello had announced his change of mind over the former England captain.
The coach said he had been impressed by the 31-year-old's professional attitude in training.
Beckham's previous appearance for Real was as a substitute in the 2-0 defeat by Deportivo Coruna on January 7, a few days before he announced he had signed a five-year deal with LA Galaxy worth $250 million.
Capello also needed to come up with something after four defeats in six league games had left him under increasing pressure. Defeat at struggling Sociedad might well have signaled his departure.
Punished
The early exchanges did little to ease Capello's fears as Sociedad midfielder Mikel Aranburu punished Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas' seventh minute blunder to put the home team ahead.
Casillas pushed Xabi Prieto's cross up into the air and Aranburu nodded home from close range.
Beckham revived Madrid's prospects when he netted his third league goal of the season by whipping a 25-meter free kick over the wall and and the ball skidded under keeper Claudio Bravo and inside the far post.
Van Nistelrooy then grabbed the winner by getting in front of Bravo to head in a center from right-back Miguel Torres.
Beckham and Van Nistelrooy were both amongst five Madrid players booked as the visitors desperately defended their advantage.
Caprello said afterwards: "I'm happy he scored a goal from a free kick as he hasn't scored many this season.
"He played a great game today."
The win sent Real back into third place in the table only two points adrift of leaders Barcelona, who have a game in hand.
Sevilla, who could have gone top with a win at Real Betis, survived a controversial penalty and some other anxious moments in a goalless draw.
After 11 minutes Betis's Fernando fell after a challenge from Daniel Alves and it seemed harsh when the referee awarded a penalty and booked the Sevilla man.
Robert blazed the spot-kick way over the bar and six minutes after the break the visitors had another reprieve when Brazil international Sobis bundled the ball into their net only for the celebrations to be halted by the linesman's flag.
Robert had another great chance 10 minutes from time but was denied by a great save by keeper Andres Palop.