IN SPORT.ES
Real Madrid nearly threw away a three goal lead in a thriller with Levante but managed to hold on for three points to go provisionally second in La Liga.
Madrid dominated in the first half and raced into a comfortable position.
Karim Benzema, their best player in 2019, broke the deadlock with a fine header from Dani Carvajal’s cross.
The French forward added the second with a cool finish after James Rodriguez fed him.
The Colombian was playing well, looking like a new signing for Madrid, a different player to the one who left for Bayern Munich two years ago.
Before half-time Casemiro added the third for close range, capping an impressive display from the Brazilian.
However Madrid striker Borja Mayoral, on loan at Levante, pulled one back with a good near post finish.
Zinedine Zidane still felt safe enough to bring off Sergio Ramos and Casemiro, handing Eden Hazard his debut, while Eder Militao got minutes ahead of the clash with PSG in midweek.
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It weakened the hosts and Gonzalo Melero, another Madrid youth product, netted Levante’s second, setting up a nervy finale, but the hosts just about held out with Thibaut Courtois making a smart save at the death.