Real Madrid welcomed Levante to the Bernabeu on Sunday knowing that three points would see them return to the top of the La Liga table.
The home side led 1-0 at the interval following a powerful header from Cristiano Ronaldo with 11 minutes on the clock.
Los Blancos had their second in the early stages of the second period through Marcelo, while Levante's task got harder after 64 minutes when Fernando Navarro was sent from the field for a late challenge on Ronaldo.
Madrid added their third in the latter stages when Nikos Karabelas turned into his own net following a deep cross from Marcelo.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
5.31pmEvening all! Our La Liga coverage continues this evening as Real Madrid welcome Levante to the Bernabeu. The home side have dropped to second following Atletico's win at Celta Vigo on Saturday, but would return to the summit with all three points. Their task, however, will not be made easy by a confident Levante side that are one of the form teams in the division. It promises to be a fascinating encounter.
5.34pmTEAMS:
MADRID: Lopez; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; Modric, Alonso, Di Maria; Ronaldo, Benzema, Bale
LEVANTE: Navas; Juanfran, Karabelas, Vyntra, Navarro; Lopez, Pinto, Sissoko; Pallardo, Barral, Ivanschitz
5.37pmSo there we have it. Raphael Varane comes into the Madrid XI this evening, with Pepe dropping to the bench. Gareth Bale also keeps his spot in the side alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema. Levante, meanwhile, have David Barral leading their line. Miguel Pallardo also starts, but Nabil El Zhar and Ruben Garcia drop to the bench. Two attacking teams on display at the Bernabeu.
5.40pmIn terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Madrid have won four of the last five matches, with Levante also winning once during that run of fixtures. As mentioned, the corresponding match last season ended in a 5-1 win for Los Blancos, who also won 3-2 at Levante earlier this season.
Llegada del Real Madrid al Bernabéu | Bale. pic.twitter.com/4XefX7vXsm
— Pasion Madridista (@real_pasion) March 9, 20145.43pmMadrid's title rivals Atletico Madrid picked up three points at Celta this weekend, which has left Carlo Ancelotti's side in second position, but Barcelona lost at Real Valladolid to leave the Catalan outfit in third position in the table. Victory is a necessity for Los Blancos as the race for the La Liga title continues to twist and turn in this fascinating season.
Même un billard n'affiche pas la même qualité que la pelouse de Bernabéu ! Qui a d'ailleurs été copieusement arrosée. pic.twitter.com/7Y6HEV3irp
— Chevrot Rémi (@ChevrotRemi) March 9, 20145.46pmMadrid's home form this season has been extremely strong with 11 wins from their 12 matches, losing just once in the process. Their form in general has been exemplary, meanwhile, with the capital outfit currently unbeaten in all competitions since losing to Barcelona – their Copa del Rey final opponents in April - at the end of October. As it stands, the destination of the La Liga title is in their own hands.
5.49pmScoring goals has not been a problem for Madrid this season with 73 strikes in their 26 matches, which is the second-best total in the league. Levante, meanwhile, have registered 26 times. Down the other end, Los Blancos have conceded 26 times, while Levante's defensive record is also impressive with just 31 against.
5.52pmIt has been a successful campaign for Levante, with 36 points from their 26 matches leaving them in eighth position in the table. They are just five points behind seventh-place Sevilla, who have played a game more, and in with a real chance of a European finish. Meanwhile, they have taken 12 points from their last six games and not lost in La Liga since suffering a 5-1 defeat at Barcelona in January.
5.55pmMuch of their success this season has been built on a strong home record, which has seen them win five from 13 and lose just three times in the process. Their away form has also been fairly solid with four wins and four draws from 13 matches. One thing is for certain, Madrid will not have it easy this evening.
5.58pmPREDICTION: The home side have the perfect chance to open up some daylight at the top of the La Liga table this evening and I fully expect that to occur. Levante enter the match in a strong run of form, but I am finding it difficult to give them a chance in the capital. My score prediction is 3-0 Los Blancos.
1 minHere we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Just a reminder that three points for the home side would see them return to the top of the table. Madrid get the first 45 minutes of action underway.
2 minIt must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium this evening. As expected, Los Blancos have taken control of the early possession with Alonso searching out the run of Ronaldo, but Navas is on hand to collect. Down the other end, Ramos produces a fine header to deny a cross from Lopez.
4 minCHANCE! The first chance of the match comes to the home side as Carvajal delivers a dangerous cross inside the Levante box, Juanfran makes contract and just turns it behind his own crossbar when it looked to be arrowing into the top corner. Immediately the visitors are being put under pressure.
6 minFrustration for Los Blancos in the last couple of moments as Benzema is twice caught offside in quick succession, but it has been one-way traffic in the opening six minutes. Levante are attempting to quicken their play whenever possible, but they are being crowded in the final third of this large Bernabeu pitch.
8 minHalf-chance for the home side as Ronaldo finds some space inside the Levante box before attempting to place one into the bottom corner following a cross from Benzema, but Navas is on hand to make the save. Levante just cannot get out of their own half at the moment, but Barral buys a free kick from Varane on the half-way line as the Spaniard gains some respite for the away side.
10 minPositive spell for Levante in terms of possession in the last couple of moments with Sissoko and Barral both involved in the final third, but the move breaks down when Lopez is challenged by Varane. Madrid break immediately down the other end with Benzema, but the Frenchman cannot slide a through pass towards Bale.
11 minGOAL! Real Madrid 1-0 Levante (Ronaldo)
12 minLos Blancos take the lead after 11 minutes as Ronaldo rises inside the box before planting his header into the bottom corner. Stunning leap from the Portuguese attacker, who now has 38 goals for the season.
15 minWell, you get the feeling that Levante needed to ride out the opening 20 minutes or so. They were not able to and now they just cannot keep hold of the ball. You just get the feeling that a second in quick succession could spell a bit of a hammering for the visitors, who have been extremely untidy in possession of the ball.
17 minBale attempts to get in on the act as the Welshman drives to the edge of the box before curling one towards the bottom corner, but it just moves wide of the post. Utter domination from the hosts and as it stands, they will move three points clear of Atletico Madrid and four clear of current champions Barcelona.
19 minAnother half-chance for the home side as Benzema finds Di Maria, who drives into the Levante box, but Navas is out to clear at the vital moment. Levante just need a period of sustained possession here.
7 - Cristiano Ronaldo has scored in each of the last five league meetings between these sides (seven goals in total). Unstoppable.
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) March 9, 201422 minNot too much to report in terms of opportunities in the last few moments, but Levante have managed to stem the flow of pressure in the final third. It must be said that there is a sensational atmosphere inside the stadium, which is transmitting to the players. Little over 20 minutes of the first period remaining in Madrid.
24 minCHANCE! Another wonderful chance for the home side as Bale finds Benzema with a fine through pass, but Navas is out to make a terrific save at his near post. Los Blancos could already be out of sight with 24 minutes on the clock. The Costa Rican is not getting too much protection at the moment.
26 minPlenty of challenges arriving from both sides, but the referee has allowed the match to continue, which is creating a free-flowing fixture. Levante are a threat on the counter with the movement of Barral, but the likes of Ivanschitz and Pinto have struggled to get on the ball. Varane takes a heavy one from Lopez moments later, but the French centre-back does return to his feet following a period of treatment.
29 minSlightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with the referee taking exception to a number of altercations between both sets of players. A late challenge from Di Maria on Pinto hands Levante the chance to deliver into the Madrid box, but Pinto's cross is straight into the arms of Diego Lopez.
31 minHalf-chance for the home side as Ronaldo clips one towards Ramos, who readies himself for a strike on goal, but Sissoko is across to make a smart challenge at the vital moment. The pressure continues from Los Blancos as they force two more corners in quick succession, but Vyntra and Juanfran take it in turns to clear.
33 minAs it stands, Madrid have had 68% of the ball, which is not much of a surprise. It has been a first period dominated by the home side. However, Levante have managed to somewhat quell the pressure on Navas's goal. Little over 10 minutes of the first half remaining in the Spanish capital.
35 min
5 - Angel Di Maria has made more assists than any other Real Madrid player in La Liga in 2014. Helpful.
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) March 9, 201437 minNot too much to report in terms of opportunities in the last few moments, but the home side continue to dominate possession of the ball. It is almost like a training match for Los Blancos as Levante sit deep and attempt to absorb the danger. No real desire for Carlo Ancelotti's side to add a second before the break.
40 minThe home side force the issue with two corners in quick succession, but Juanfran and Lopez take it in turns to clear the danger. Di Maria swings a deep cross into the box moments later, but Navas palms clear. Sustained period of pressure from the home side, but Levante manage to clear once more. Still 1-0 in Madrid.
42 minJust a reminder that Levante have not been beaten in the league since losing to Barcelona in January. It is not difficult to see why that is the case. They have not offered too much in the final third, but have frustrated Madrid for long periods in the last 30 minutes or so. Can Levante spring a first-half surprise?
44 minBright work from Pedro Lopez almost creates an opening for Levante, but the referee brings the play back for a foul, despite Ivanschitz seemingly having a clear run on goal. The resulting free kick is taken by Pinto, but it is straight into the arms of Lopez, who has not had too much to do in the opening 44 minutes.
45+1 minPOST! Madrid come close to scoring their second in first-half stoppage time when Benzema arrives late inside the Levante box before meeting a cross from Ronaldo, but his header smashes the post.
45+2 minHALF TIME: Real Madrid 1-0 Levante
6.48pmSo there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Real Madrid leading Levante 1-0 courtesy of an early header from Ronaldo. The home side have dominated proceedings, but Levante have had their moments on the counter. As it stands, Los Blancos would move three points clear at the top of La Liga.
6.52pmSTATISTICS: The home side have dominated the possession with 75%, while they have had six attempts - four of which have been on target. Levante, meanwhile, have failed to hit the target with either of their two attempts. It has been a feisty half in terms of challenges, but the referee has not seen it necessary to enter his pocket for any cards.
6.57pmBENCH WATCH: Madrid have an abundance of attacking talent on their bench in the shape of Isco, Jese Rodriguez and Alvaro Morata. Meanwhile, Levante have the likes of Angel, El Zhar, Garcia and Nagore in reserve. There are certainly goals in that list of players.
46 minHere we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. You just get the feeling that Levante need to score the next goal if they are to take something from the match. Another for Madrid and it could be game, set and match. The visitors get the second 45 minutes underway in the capital.
HT: Real Madrid 1-0 Levante (11' @Cristiano). #RealMadridLevante #RMLive pic.twitter.com/9cwUHCuobP
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) March 9, 201448 minNo changes for either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise. However, I suspect that both managers will consider alterations if the score remains 1-0 for the next 20 minutes or so. Levante are still in this match make no mistake about that. Los Blancos are in need of a second just to settle some nerves.
49 minGOAL! Real Madrid 2-0 Levante (Marcelo)
50 minLos Blancos indeed score their second after 49 minutes as Marcelo, whose last goal in the league was in January 2012, combines with Ronaldo before placing one into the far corner. Brilliant from the Brazilian.
52 minIn truth, that is probably game over. At 1-0, Levante were always in with a chance, but 2-0 is a difficult ballgame altogether. Suddenly everyone in a white shirt wants the ball as the confidence radiates from Madrid.
55 minHalf-chance for the away side as a quick free kick from Lopez finds Pinto just outside the Madrid box, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. If the home side score a third in the next 10 minutes or so, then it would not be a surprise to see the likes of Isco and Jese given more minutes for Los Blancos.
57 minSomewhat strange decision from the referee as the Spaniard books Ramos for clashing with Vyntra, which rules the centre-back out of next week's clash with Malaga. For me, it looked a 50/50 challenge. Levante force the issue from the resulting set piece, but Barral is penalised for a push on Carvajal inside the penalty box.
59 minHalf-chance for the away side as Pallardo finds some space outside the box before striking towards goal, but Lopez is on hand to make a comfortable save. The end-to-end period of the match continues as Bale drives a low cross into the Levante box, but Vyntra is on hand to make the clearance. Little over 30 minutes to play.
60 minSAVE! Navas is again at his best as the Levante goalkeeper produces a spectacular save to deny a curling Benzema effort from the right. This would have been four or five without the Costa Rican.
63 minNot too much to report in terms of opportunities in the last few moments, with a series of late challenges and altercations interrupting the flow of the match. We are getting to the stage of the contest where both managers will be considering changes, but for very different reasons. Still 2-0 Madrid at the Bernabeu.
64 minRED CARD! Navarro (Levante)
65 minLevante are reduced to 10 men as David Navarro dives into a horror challenge with Ronaldo. It was late and from behind. For me, he had to walk. Whistles as the Spaniard leaves the pitch.
67 minNavarro was never going to reach the ball, but he decided to go through Ronaldo. The Levante defender leaves the field and with it, his side's chances might have gone in this match. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining and Los Blancos are in total control of the possession at the Bernabeu.
70 minCHANCE! Another wonderful chance for the home side as Ronaldo leads a blistering break befor finding Benzema, who tees up Marcelo on the edge of the box. However, the Brazilian fires his effort high and wide of the crossbar. Moments later, Levante make their first change of the match as Pallardo is replaced by El Adouda. Madrid also make their first sub with Varane replaced by Nacho.
72 minLevante appear to have lost some of their shape in the last few moments as Madrid continue to find pockets of space in the final third. El Adoua has an effort for Levante following bright work from Barral, but his effort is straight into the arms of Lopez, who has been a spectator for much of this league contest.
74 minCROSSBAR! Wonderful chance for the home side to score their third as Carvajal picks out Benzema at the far post, but the Frenchman's header clips off the top of the crossbar before dropping behind.
76 minThe home side make their second change of the match as Modric, who has once more been brilliant, is replaced by Isco. Levante follow with a change of their own as Nagore replaces Pinto. You just get the feeling that we have not seen the last of the goals with little under 15 minutes of football remaining.
77 minSAVE! Another golden chance for Benzema as the Frenchman meets a cross from Marcelo, but Navas is on hand to make another fine save. Ramos threatens to tap home from the parry, but Vyntra is across to make a brilliant challenge. All hands to the pump for the away side.
80 minThe opportunities continue to arrive for the home side as Ronaldo finds some space outside the box, but his effort is just wide of the post. It does appear that Madrid will add to their tally in the latter stages, with Levante struggling to stem the flow of pressure. Still more than 10 minutes of football remaining.
81 minGOAL! Real Madrid 3-0 Levante (Nikos OG)
82 minThe home side have their third of the match as Nikos turns into his own net at the far post following a sweeping cross from Marcelo. It gets worse for Levante as Jese enters the field in place of Benzema.
84 minIsco attempts to join the act for the home side as he collects a pass from Alonso on the edge of the box before turning and striking towards goal, but his effort was always moving high and wide of the crossbar.
86 minNot too much to report in terms of clear chances in the last few moments, but the home side remain in control of the possession. While Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have not been convincing in recent weeks, Los Blancos continue to rack up the wins. It could be a sensational campaign for Carlo Ancelotti's side.
89 minJust a reminder that Real Madrid are moving three points clear at the top of the La Liga table. They will also be four points ahead of third-place Barcelona. Levante make their third and final change as Angel replaces Barral, who has put in a real shift for the visitors this evening without really touching the ball.
90+1 minCROSSBAR! Wonderful chance for Ronaldo to score his third as the Portuguese meets a cross from Marcelo, but once more the crossbar is rattled. Los Blancos should be out of sight here. Moments later, Carvajal is stretched off for the home side.
90+3 minCHANCE! A terrific link-up between Bale and Ronaldo ends with the former striking one towards the bottom corner, but it just moves wide of the post. That should be just about that for this one.
90+4 minFULL TIME: Real Madrid 3-0 Levante
7.50pmSo there we have it. It is now 29 games unbeaten for Los Blancos as they record a 3-0 win over Levante. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action at the Bernabeu. Good evening!
