HALF TIME STATS; In truth, Real Madrid have utterly dominated thus far. They have had 67% of the possession, while they hit the target with five of their 15 attempts. Levante, meanwhile, have managed just two attempts off target. There has been just the one yellow card, with Modric in the book.
Bale scores twice as Real Madrid record a 2-0 win over Levante. It was a routine night for Los Blancos and they are now just one point behind the leaders Barcelona ahead of El Clasico next weekend.
Real Madrid 2-0 Levante U.D. After beaing unable to win in the last 3 games,Real Madrid needed a good game heading into the Classico next week.Today was a good day,both Ramos and Modric started the game after a long while and it showed the positive effect on the team's attitude.Both of them are very important for Real's chemistry.
DEFENCE: Keylor Navas started in goal today for Real Madrid.He didn't has a big say in the match as the ball was being played in the opponents half most of the time.Ramos was the captain tonight and he showed why he is so important for this Real Madrid side.Ramos was leading the defence literally ,he kept an eye for the offside trap as well as guard the aerial balls coming in from crosses.Pepe was great along with Ramos.Marcelo needs no praise as he always gives his 100%.Carvajal was goid defensively but his crossing has been poor lately, his overlapping runs used to be great with Bale but his crossing going forward has taken a significant blow,but on the other hand he is getting better defensively.
MIDFIELD: Isco Lucas and Modric started in midfield today.Isco was good,his defensive work was better than previous games.He needs to contribute more in defensive work as RMD usually doesn't play with a traditional CDM.Lucas Silva was a silent worker in the field for Real Madrid today,he made his presence felt whenever Levante's forwards tried to pose a threat.Modric is back,his magical touches ensure us that he is back to full fitness.
ATTACK: BBC was good tonight, had they continued to play like they did in the first half,all of them could have scored atleast one goal each.Benzema was unselfish and effective, Bale scored a brace and was very active tonight. He badly needed a goal tonight to boost his morale for the El Classico.Ronaldo was good today but he was very unlucky,could have scored a hattrick easily but couldn't finish off his chances.
Real Madrid didn't continue their high pressure game in the second half and that is a concern for me.Because as soon as Real Madrid dropped the tempo of the game,Levante started to look threatening. Real Madrid's placed a few misplaced passes in the second half due to that reason too and we can't afford that against good teams.Ancelotti needs to work on Real Madrid's counter attacks too.
So we head into the El Classico one point behind Barca with Gareth Bale finding his scoring boots and Ronaldo and Benzema hitting the wood work tonight.Not a bad game. ‪#‎HalaMadrid‬
Minute of silence to mark the death of Betancort The Real Madrid players wore black armbands against Levante.
The Santiago Bernabéu held a minute of silence before the La Liga game between Real Madrid and Levante in order to mark the death of Antonio Betancort, who was the Whites goalkeeper from 1961 to 1971. The Real Madrid squad members wore black armbands.
Summary of Carlo's press after winning against Levante in LA LIGA yesterday.
-"We will travel to the Camp Nou brimming with confidence"
-Ronaldo? "He is lively. The first goal was born out of his shot that was saved on the line. The second also came from a Cristiano effort. He was pivotal in both of Gareth's goals.
-"Modric and Ramos have made important contributions to the team. Modric, in terms of the quality he offers, and Ramos, in terms of personality and character
-"Bale looked motivated and up for it to me. The entire team looked more eager and focused".
-XI for Clasico?
"Yes, it is pretty clear for everyone. There won't be any surprises. As long as I don't lose my mind this week, there won't be any surprises. I have a few doubts about who'll play in nets… " (laughs).
-Lucas Silva?
"He had a great first half, like the rest of the team. He played with speed. He was more at ease in the second half and played the ball sideways more frequently.
-"The presence of Modric offers more depth for Bale to join in with the play".
Luka Modric: "It was a very important win and will help with our preparations for the Barcelona match. It is going to be a very tough encounter. They keep the ball very well but we just have to focus on our game
"Teams that come to the Bernabéu do everything possible to win. We aren't playing at our finest, but we have improved because we are calmer and have more confidence.
-The fans are always right. We try to play to make the fans happy. When spectators don't see what they want, they whistle, but we do everything possible to make them happy".
-We will do everything we can to get a win at the Camp Nou"
Lucas Silva: "European football is faster and more intense. I feel like I've adapted somewhat already, even though I'm not at 100% yet. I can play in the holding role in midfield or to the side. The manager makes that decision. I'm comfortable in either position".
I have heard that Cristiano Ronaldo was not happy for Bale's goal.Hahaha! Now Bale's drought is over and Media has found another topic.‪#‎ThereWillBeHaters‬
Luka Modric has been called up for Croatia's upcoming match against Norway on March 28th. - Martin Ødegaard can also be called up for the Norway NT tomorrow.
Luis Suarez: "Obviously Real Madrid is Real Madrid. Nothing else is needed to be said as everyone knows the quality of players that have."
"We know some defensive weaknesses Real Madrid have but in 90mins of a El Clasico, anything can happen."
"Everyone knows that having won 3 Ballon d'Ors, Cristiano has great quality and a player who makes the difference at crucial moments."
Manchester Evening News | There are credible voices in Madrid indicating that De Gea will start next season with Real Madrid. - btw this is a highly reliable source I hope we get him next season if Casillas leaves. If not then everything is fine with Navas and Casillas.