Round of 16 (2nd leg): Levante 2-0 Real Madrid

Report

06 January 2011

Round of 16 (2nd leg): Levante 2-0 Real Madrid

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Fernando Gago disputó ante el Levante su primer partido de la temporada

The Whites reach the quarterfinals of the Copa del Rey despite the defeat

Fernando Porrero / Translation by Michael J. O'Donnell

It is always complicated to play a return leg after winning the first 8-0. It is very hard to get properly motivated. The starting lineup used by Mourinho was extremely solid, but given the situation, it failed to bring intensity to the match.

There were hardly any chances on goal in the first half. Levante seemed overexcited and focused on complicating things with fouls more than on scoring goals. Real Madrid dominated, but they didn't set a fast pace to the match. Canales had a clear chance with a shot inside the box following a good effort from Pedro Leon, but the ball hit a defender.

Pepe came on for Carvalho at the start of the second half. Real Madrid played a faster game and Mourinho soon decided the bring Kaka on for Benzema (55'), positioning the Brazilian as a striker.

A penalty was awarded very rigourously when the ball hit Gago's arm when it was pressed against his body. Xisco took the shot and scored the opener. Mateos was injured three minutes later and Mourinho brought on youth teamer Juanfran as a right back. Canales also had problems and had to play the last 20 minutes with leg cramps.

The Whites had their best chance on the 83-minute mark when a header by Kaka hit the crossbar. Levante eventually sealed the match from a free-kick in the 85th minute. Despite the 2-0 victory, Real Madrid will play in the quarterfinals against Atletico Madrid thanks to defeating Levante 8-0 in the first leg.

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