Real Madrid have emerged victorious in a hard-fought battle at the Ciutat de Valencia against mid-table side Levante. The Whites won the game 1-2 courtesy of penalties from Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale.
The attacking duo of Madrid scored on either side of Levante’s Roger Marti’s goal. Los Blancos centre-back, Nacho Fernandez picked up two yellow cards and was given the marching orders by the referee Ignacio Iglesias Villanueva in the 86th minute. Ruben Rochina also received a red card after being substituted for allegedly hurling a few harsh words at the referee.
Santiago Solari would not be a happy man for sure despite his side returning home with all the three points in the bag. With a tough run of fixtures coming up, Solari would have been expecting a commanding victory from his side. However, things did not seem to be working out for Real out in the middle with Levante playing edge-to-edge for the entire duration of the game.
The reigning European champions looked a shadow of their actual selves and it would be interesting to see how the Whites approach the up-coming Clasicos against Barcelona.
Here is how we at T4O feel Real fared in their victory against Levante.
Thibaut Courtois – 6/10
The Belgian shot-stopper did not have much to do for large durations of the game, and there was not much Courtois could have done about the goal that went in the 60th minute. This has been the goalie’s 4th game on the bounce where he has failed to hold on to a clean sheet.
Dani Carvajal – 7/10
Carvajal had a decent outing in his trip to Valencia, and the full-back toiled hard around the right flank and made sure he kept the game ticking. It was a determined performance from the Spanish international and would be a huge morale booster ahead of two high-intensity games.
Raphael Varane – 7/10
Madrid boss, Solari must be particularly pleased with Varane’s performance who acted as the leader of the back-four in Sergio Ramos’ absence. The French defender even wore the captain’s armband for the last quarter of the game or so.
Nacho Fernandez – 5/10
The versatile defender was the guilty party for allowing in Levante’s first goal and could have done slightly better with the man-marking. To make Nacho’s evening worse, he was sent off after committing another yellow card offence.
Sergi Reguilon – 7/10
Reguilon has made the left-back position his own and he very well proved it today. The Spanish full-back made several runs into the Levante box and never looked out of position in the defensive side of play.
Luka Modric – 8/10
The Croatian seemed on top of his game which is a positive sign for Solari. Modric drew several fouls and certainly dictated play in the middle of the field. Like always, the partnership of Kroos and Modric seemed on fleek.
Casemiro – 8/10
‘The Tank’ was rock-solid in midfield and kept Levante’s attack at bay by continuously guarding the Madrid back four. Fortunately, he did not pick up any bookings and will now be eligible to face Barcelona next weekend in the Premiera Division.
Toni Kroos – 8/10
The German seemed right on top of his game throughout and was given rest around the hour mark when Fede Valverde was brought on to replace him.
Lucas Vasquez – 7/10
A sheer hard-worker, Vasquez once again put in the shift for Madrid. The winger was seen on several occasions providing cover to Carvajal despite the situation being under control. Lucas does need to work on his passing which seemed a bit off shade on occasions.
Karim Benzema – 7/10
A typical Karim Benzema performance by the Frenchman in many aspects. Being the captain of the side today, the lanky striker led with example by tucking home a penalty in the 43rd minute. The poacher netted his 11th La Liga goal of the season in the process.
Vinicius Junior – 9/10
Oh boy! He’s a treat to watch! The Brazilian is turning out to be the X-Factor in the Real Madrid side this season following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo. Vinicius continues to bring in the element of surprise in Real’s attack every time the ball arrives at him in the attacking half.
Substitutes
Federico Valverde – 7/10
Came in for Toni Kroos and had an average game. Attempted a shot on goal which flew a few inches above the cross-bar.
Gareth Bale – 8/10
Once again came off the bench and netted the goal. However, it does not seem to be all smiles for the Welshman as he refused in anger to celebrate his goal. It seemed like Bale was out there to prove a point to Solari regarding his selection approach towards him lately.
Marco Asensio – 6/10
Came on for Vinicius Junior and had a rather quiet evening. Did not have much involvement in play post coming on.
