Real Madrid

Real Madrid breezed by a Levante squad more concerned about the drubbing they received earlier in the year in Copa action than leaving the Bernabeu with points in tow. Benzema scored on 7’ and Carvalho on 41’, and it was smooth sailing from there on out for the Whites, who pull within two points of the league lead.

With Tuesday’s Champions League match against Lyon fast approaching, Xabi Alonso and Ozil took  the bench against Levante’s five-man back line. But little good did it do Luis Garcia’s squad. Only six minutes in, Di Maria cruised past two defenders and curled in a low cross for Benzema to punch into the net. The chances continued to flow and Cristiano Ronaldo nearly scored twice but was stymied by Munua on both occasions.

Shortly before the break, CR7 sent in a powerful free kick that met Carvalho’s knee, beat the keeper and put the Whites up by two. Levante, on the contrary, did little to disturb Adan, who had one of the calmest first halves of his career.

Not much changed after the restart. Cristiano nearly had the team’s third by way of a header, but Munua got a hand to it to keep the game close. Ozil and Adebayor stepped in for Kaka and Di Maria on 75’ with the German needing little time to dazzle. His combination with Ronaldo almost proved fruitful, but it wasn’t the Portuguese international’s night. Levante, meanwhile, continued being no cause for concern for Adan.

Real Madrid move within two points of the league lead with the win and now turn their sights to Tuesday’s Champions League match against Lyon.

Lineups

Real Madrid
Adán
Sergio Ramos
Albiol
Ricardo Carvalho	Goal 41'
Marcelo
Khedira
Lass Diarra
Kaká
Özil 77'
Cristiano Ronaldo
Di María
Adebayor 77'
Benzema	Goal 7'
Gago 87'

Levante
Munúa
Cerra
Ballesteros
Nano
Del Horno
Juanfran
Iborra
Valdo
Xavi Torres
Lois 81'
Xisco Muñoz
Jefferson Montero 63'
Felipe Caicedo
Stuani 74'