Zinedine Zidane’s Real Madrid were victorious in a hard-fought battle against Levante at the Santiago Bernabeu earlier today.
The 3-2 scoreline is not an apt representation of the proceedings in the Spanish capital this afternoon. Los Blancos were easily the dominant side throughout the match but failed to convert a majority of their chances.
Karim Benzema scored two goals within the space of six minutes to give Real Madrid a two-goal advantage around the half-hour mark. Casemiro then netted Real’s third goal five minutes before the half-time whistle. The second half was completely different with the visitors getting onto the scoresheet.
Real Madrid loanee, Borja Mayoral scored just after the second half commenced when the Real Madrid back-line had switched-off for a moment. Around the 75 minutes mark, Levante substitute, Gonzala Melero scored from a set-piece situation. The second goal of Levante led to an intense game of football for the last 15 minutes.
Much to the delight of the Bernabeu faithful, Eden Hazard was brought on around the 60-minute mark and was an absolute joy to watch throughout.
Here’s how Los Blancos were rated in their victory against Levante:
Courtois – 7/10
The shot-stopper was crucial in denying Levante the third goal in the dying moments of the game. However, he let in two goals where he could have done better.
Carvajal – 8/10
The Madrid right-back put in a devoted performance throughout the game. Carvajal also provided the assist that led to Real Madrid’s first goal of the afternoon.
Varane – 7/10
A rock-solid performance at the back. He was an impermeable wall in Madrid’s defence. Varane seems to be ready for the PSG clash midweek.
Ramos – 7/10
Ramos put in a decent performance before being substituted. Ramos was a towering presence in the back-line. However, Ramos was the guilty party for the first Levante goal scored by Borja Mayoral.
Marcelo – 7/10
Marcelo had a fine evening on his return to the starting eleven. The defender in his natural instincts was spotted defending and attacking high-up the pitch. However, it does seem that age is catching upon him. During the dying moments of the game, Marcelo seemed extremely tired while defending.
James – 9/10
It was one of James Rodriguez’s best performances in the Real Madrid white. The player was lethal and seemed to be the spark in the Los Blancos side. James even pulled off a no-look back-heel pass to Eden Hazard inside the penalty box.
Casemiro – 8/10
A true Casemiro type performance in all aspects. He was quick and agile and even got himself on the score-sheet. The Brazilian was substituted around the hour mark to give him some rest before the UEFA Champions League encounter.
Kroos – 7/10
Toni Kroos had a decent afternoon. He would be content with his performance against Levante.
Lucas Vasquez – 7/10
Lucas Vasquez put in a spirited performance starting out on the right flank before being reshuffled into midfield. Vasquez was instrumental down the right-hand side.
Karim Benzema – 9/10
The Frenchman has struck a fine goal-scoring form. Along with the brace scored by Benzema today, he has already made it to four Primera Division goals this season.
Vinicius Junior – 7/10
It seemed like an average performance from Vinicius who recently made his maiden appearance for the Brazil senior team.
Substitutes
Eden Hazard – 7/10
Hazard was sensational on his Real Madrid debut. He nearly created an assist with his first touch of the ball as a Real Madrid player. He even came extremely close to scoring after a good 20-yard run.
Eder Militao – 6/10
Militao also made his debut for Los Blancos and seemed to be a bit nervy. The Brazilian would be filling in for Sergio Ramos against PSG.
Luka Jovic – 5/10
Did not have much involvement in play after coming on to the field to replace Karim Benzema
