Levante vs. Real Madrid preview
This Saturday league leaders Real Madrid will travel to Valencia to take on Levante, a team struggling near the bottom of the La Liga standings.
Recent Form
Real Madrid have picked things up after a slow start to the season. After an impressive 2-1 victory against Real Sociedad over the weekend, Jose Mourinho's side we're equally impressive in midweek picking up an impressive 3-0 victory at home against Espanyol.
It was scoring goals that was the early problem for Madrid, who have picked things up and now scored five goals in their last two. Most importantly, the three goals they scored against Espanyol came from the very players they expect to get goals: Cristiano
Ronaldo, Gonzalo Higuain, and Karim Benzema. The result reflected the play of a side who look to, at last, be hitting the type of form they expected to achieve, and finally meeting the type of lofty expectations a Mourinho-led side carry.
Levante managed their first points during midweek away to lowly Almeria and are hoping to turn things around and justify their place in the Spanish primera. They face a daunting task to try and keep this ball rolling in facing the current league leaders,
but Levante must see this match as a pivotal game and a chance to break real ground and improve on their record of one win and three defeats.
Players to watch
Always under the spotlight for Real Madrid is Portuguese golden boy Cristiano Ronaldo who scored his first of the season in midweek from the penalty spot against Espanyol. In addition to his goal, Ronaldo also played the role of provider by setting up Argentinian
striker Gonzalo Higuain for Madrid's second goal with a deft pass.
Under the microscope for Levante will be their back line and their goalkeeping which should be under fire for most of the ninety minutes. Levante have thus far conceded more goals than any other side in the Spanish league despite managing a clean sheet in
midweek. Look for Levante keeper Manolo Reina to be in the heart of the action and tested often.
What to expect
It's almost certain that Real Madrid will be taking the game to Levante. They will likely dominate in every aspect of the game including possession and scoring chances. But look for Levante to muster something against the run of play – they have managed
to score in every match thus far this season. No matter, expect Ronaldo to go crazy and score a hat trick. Real Madrid take this one 5-1.
Tags: