La Liga
Oct 18, 2014 3.00pm
0
5
HT : 0 2
FT
  • Juanfran 12' yellowcard
  • Victor Camarasa 24' yellowcard
  • Jaime Gavilan 28' yellowcard
  • Pedro Lopez 45' yellowcard
  • goal Cristiano Ronaldo 13'
  • goal Javier Hernandez 38'
  • goal Cristiano Ronaldo 61'
  • goal James Rodriguez 66'
  • goal Isco 82'

Preview: Levante vs. Real Madrid

Levante vs. Real Madrid

Real Madrid are expected to extend their La Liga winning streak to five when they visit Levante on Saturday.

Carlo Ancelotti's side have won their last four matches to put their slow start to the season behind them and climb to fourth in the table, four points behind Barcelona.

Ballon d'Or 2013 winner Cristiano Ronaldo is arguably in the form of his life, having netted 13 times in his last six club games, while also scoring a 95th-minute winner for Portugal in Euro 2016 qualifying on Tuesday.

Others in Madrid's feared frontline are also in fine fettle, with James Rodriguez and Karim Benzema both having struck on international duty, while Gareth Bale shone for Wales in their victory over Cyprus.

All four should start when Los Blancos visit the Ciutat de Valencia to face a Levante side who have won just once in their opening seven fixtures and sit only slightly above the relegation zone.

They may come up against former goalkeeper Keylor Navas, who left Levante to join Real in the summer and is knocking on the door as long-serving stopper Iker Casillas continues to have a difficult time.

Sami Khedira is Real's only definite injury absentee and may not play again for the Spanish giants, with Madrid reportedly considering cashing in on him in January to avoid losing him on a free next June.

There are also doubts over Sergio Ramos's calf, and therefore Raphael Varane could play in defence.

A stoppage-time equaliser for Eibar denied Levante maximum points in their last outing, in which they scored three of their four-goal tally for the season. Their goal difference of -15 is the worst in the division.

Jose Luis Mendilibar has former Liverpool pair Mohamed Sissoko and Nabil El Zhar as alternatives should he wish to change things, while experienced Austrian international Andreas Ivanschitz could be recalled.

Recent form

Real: WWWWWW

Levante: DLWLDL

Possible starting lineups

Real: Casillas; Carvajal, Pepe, Varane, Marcelo; Kroos, Modric; Ronaldo, James, Bale; Benzema

Levante: Diego; Lopez, Rodas, Vintra, Lopez; Ivanschitz, Diop, Camarasa, Garcia Santos; Victor, Morales

Sports Mole says: 0-3

Author photo

Written by

POLL
Who will win Saturday's match between Levante and Real Madrid?
Levante 6%
Real Madrid 88%
Draw 6%
Share this article:
Subscribe to our newsletter

Get FREE daily news and in-depth previews for games from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football — straight to your inbox.

Subscribe