I never expected Levante to put up much of a fight here, and their task has just got even tougher, as Karim Benzema has slotted Real Madrid into a 6th minute lead at the Bernabeu. The French striker may have his name on the scoresheet, but this goal was all about Angel Di Maria who slalomed his way into the area, weaving one way and the other, before sliding a pinpoint cross with his right peg to the backpost where Benzema was lurking to tap in.
Real Madrid Vs Levante: Benzema Gives Madrid Early Lead
With 15 minutes gone this match is being dominated by the home side, and as yet there is little evidence Levante are going to cause another away day upset after their heroics against Villarreal in the Madrigal. Jose Mourinho has rung the changes in his starting XI, with Pepe (injury), Casillas (suspension), Xabi Alonso and Emmanuel Adebayor all making way for Albiol, Adán, Lass Diarra and Karim Benzema. Levante will surely want to test the young keeper Adán, making his first league start for ‘Los Merengues’, but they are yet to get anywhere near his goal. Felipe Caicedo is cutting an isolated figure upfront.
The cup tie between these two teams, played out only a few weeks ago at the Bernabeu, ended 8-0. Will lightening strike twice?
TEAMS:
Real Madrid: Adán, Ramos, Carvalho, Albiol, Marcelo, Lass, Khedira, Di María, Kaká, Cristiano Ronaldo and Benzema.
Levante: Munua, Del Horno, Nano, Ballesteros, Cerra, Torres, Iborra, Juanfran, Valdo, Muñoz and Caicedo
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