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 lead.
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| Carvalho celebrates his goal against Levante |
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 men. 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 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 lead with the win and now turn their sights to Tuesday’s Champions League match against Lyon.
Summary
Stadium: Santiago Bernabéu
Attendance: 65,000
Goals: 1-0, m.7: Benzema. 2-0, m.41: Carvalho.
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