‘Real’ Recovery: European giants cruise to a much needed win over Levante

Real Madrid players celebrate a goal

Real Madrid 2 - 0 Levante

Gareth Bale 18', 40'

Real Madrid exposed a glimpse of their old winning ways after settling out for a comfortable win over bottom-placed Levante. The returns of injury-hit Luka Modric and Sergio Ramos wreaked severe impact to the score line. Also, regular goalkeeper Iker Casillas was found dropped to the bench following a frail midweek performance against Schalke and Costa Rican Keylor Navas was handed a chance.

After back to back defeats, Real Madrid counted this fixture to regain its lost form and a preparatory test for El Clasico as well. Buried deep down in 17th spot in the table, Levante looked to grind hard to rescue themselves out of the relegation zone.

Game plunged into action when Ronaldo was left frustrated after his first shot hit the right post. Luka Modric delivered a strike and though Benzema netted in after the rebound from keeper’s gloves, he was caught offside. Clock read 18 minutes when Ronaldo’s bicycle kick wasn’t beaten well off and it was the Welshman, Gareth Bale who then sent in a drive and pulled the lead for the home side. Bale celebrated his 11th goal of the league with ears closed depicting he was against the odds of his recent critics.

Gareth Bale celebrates his first of the two goals against Levante

Into the dying minutes of the half, Modric’s quick free kick saw the ball roll onto Carvajal who assisted Cristiano Ronaldo on doubling the lead. But replays revealed Bale had a minor touch over the ball and was counted a brace for the Welshman. As expected, half time witnessed a one-sided contest at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.

Initial minutes of the second half saw Modric producing effortless chances. Despite numerous opportunities, the Los Galacticos side was unable to extend the lead. Neither Keylor Navas nor the Madrid defence was tested much, without the visiting side creating any convincing chances. 

65 minutes into the game and Karim Benzema outclassed a Ronaldo’s cross to stun the crowd and opponents by a back heel volley, hitting the woodwork hard and escaping the net even from the rebound shot of the Frenchman. 

Spanish midfielder Isco was replaced by fellow Spaniard Jese Rodriguez indicating a smart act from Ancelotti to preserve the star for the upcoming Catalan clash, who was one booking away from suspension. 

Levante delivered a below-par performance and were frail throughout the game. Such a display ended the match in a 2-0 defeat to the visitors and with Madrid sealing a well played 3 points. The win saw Madrid adhere onto second spot, a point behind FC Barcelona. 

Despite the triumph, the other star on spotlight, Cristiano Ronaldo was not able to provide his old blitzkrieg displays and had a frustrated figure throughout the contest. And his form still persists to be a matter of concern, especially when the Catalans welcome the Spanish capital next week. 

Nevertheless, the victory might have fetched the Madrid side adequate confidence and determination to face the upcoming challenges.

Bookings and substitutions

• 85' Yellow Card: Sergio Ramos 
• 82' Substitution: Karim Benzema (Out) - Javier Hernández (In) 
• 78' Substitution: Luka Modric (Out) - Asier Illarramendi (In) 
• 75' Substitution: Kalu (Out) - Uche Víctor (In) 
• 69' Substitution: Isco (Out) - Jesé Rodríguez (In) 
• 59' Substitution: José Luis Morales (Out) - Rubén Garcia (In) 
• 59' Substitution: Xumi (Out) - Nabil El Zhar (In) 
• 30' Yellow Card: Luka Modric

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