Gareth Bale led Real Madrid to their first victory in the last four games scoring a brace against Levante. The Welshman goals kept Los Blancos one point behind leaders Barcelona in La Liga ahead of next week’s Clasico at the Camp Nou.
Carlo Ancelotti men started the game eager to please the home crowd, who jeered at the Italian and Iker Casillas before the start of the game.
Los Blancos played with great intensity and Karim Benzema was close to making it 1-0 after 15 minutes. The Frenchman sent the ball into the back of the net from close range but he was in an offside position and the goal was disallowed.
However, three minutes later Cristiano Ronaldo’s volley was cleared off the line and Bale caught the ball to fire one into the corner.
The Welsh international could have made it 2-0 in the 30th minute, but his cross deflected off the head of a defender and smashed the woodwork.
Yet, Los Blancos doubled their lead before the break. Daniel Carvajal drove down the right-hand side and sent a ball back to Ronaldo, who smashed it towards goal. Bale touched it slightly to get his second.
With a two-goal lead, Los Merengues were in complete control during the second half, although there weren’t many clear chances. Benzema had the best opportunity to make it 3-0, but he slammed a superb flick off the crossbar.
Despite the victory, Los Blancos are yet to demonstrate they have recovered their best game, since this time the rival was too weak. The real test will be next week against Barcelona.
