POST-MATCH: Real Madrid see off late fightback against Levante

Real Madrid survived a second half scare to edge past Levante with a 3-2 win at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Much of the pre-match attention was on a club debut for record signing Eden Hazard, however the Belgian had to make do with a place on the bench from the start in the Spanish capital.

Following a frantic start for both sides, Karim Benzema found the opener on 25 minutes, nodding home Dani Carvajal's swing cross from the right.

With Levante looking to settle from conceding, Benzema struck again seven minutes later, showing strength to hold off two defenders and swivel on James Rodriguez's pass and slot home.

Zinedine Zidane's side made it 3-0 just before the break, after Casemiro finished off a flowing team move. 

However there was controversy surrounding the goal, as the Brazilian was lucky to escape a red card for late challenge on Real Madrid loanee Borja Mayoral minutes before.

The visitors reacted swiftly after the break, with Mayoral tapped home Carlos Clerc's cross on 50 minutes.

Zidane brought Hazard on for his debut with just over 20 minutes remaining, but it was Levante that were to steal the second half headlines as Gonzalo Melero nodded home with 15 minutes left.

As Real Madrid looked to shut the game out, Levante continued to pose a threat, and defender Ruben Vezo almost nicked a draw at the death, but Thibaut Courtois was alive to his header.

Tags Borja Mayoral Eden Hazard Karim Benzema
La Liga - Club News