Levante 2-2 Real Madrid: Giampaolo Pazzini grabs late equaliser to stun Los Blancos
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Giampaolo Pazzini struck a stunning late equaliser to deny Real Madrid the three points and give Levante precious point in their bid to beat the drop.
Isco struck an 81st minute goal to seemingly win it for Real Madrid despite another disappointing display.
Sergio Ramos headed Madrid ahead on his return from injury in the 11th minute, guiding Toni Kroos’ corner past Oier Olazabal.
Madrid tried to add to their lead but were caught out by Levante on the break before half-time, when Jose Luis Morales broke through and saw Keylor Navas save his effort, with Emmanuel Boateng following up to slot home from outside the area with the goalkeeper stranded.
The game became an end-to-end affair and eventually substitute Isco slammed home after good work by Karim Benzema.
But Pazzini ensured more misery for Madrid with a 90th minute equaliser.
Here are the five key talking points…
(Image: REUTERS)
(Image: AFP)
(Image: REUTERS)
(Image: Getty Images)
1. History boy
Sergio Ramos announced his return to La Liga action in spectacular fashion, after an injury that has kept him out since the Christmas Clasico.
The centre-back rose highest to nod home the opening goal from Kroos’ corner, with Karim Benzema helping by obstructing the view of goalkeeper Olazabal.
This was his first league goal of the season and it means he has now scored in 14 seasons running, becoming the first defender to accomplish the feat.
Ramos continued in his classic take-no-prisoners fashion and was soon in the referee’s notebook for an aggressive challenge on Emmanuel Boateng, which saw the Levante forward receive an unwanted elbow to his face.
The centre-back was then caught out as Levante beat Madrid’s offside trap in the build up to their equaliser, with Morales charging past him. A bit of everything from the history boy.
(Image: REUTERS)
2. The Leak
Real Madrid’s problems this season aren’t limited to just one place or position, but this was the sixth league game running in which they have conceded.
Madrid have only been able to keep 14 clean sheets from 36 games this season in all competitions (39%), according to Spanish stats man Mister Chip.
Meanwhile league leaders Barcelona have a 64% shut out rate and second place Atletico have 58%.
When the strikers aren’t scoring at the rate they used to, having a defence intent on leaking goals is the last thing Madrid need.
Paris Saint-Germain have the deadliest attack in Europe and will be licking their lips at facing this defence.
(Image: Getty Images)
3. Finally fit
Real Madrid were able to pick their strongest team for the first time under Zinedine Zidane, according to Madrid newspaper Marca.
This line-up of players (Navas, Carvajal, Ramos, Varane, Marcelo, Casemiro, Kroos, Modric, Bale, Benzema and Ronaldo), had never played together until now.
Various injury and suspension problems kept the front three from linking up for almost a year, until last weekend, but Ramos was still out injured.
Last season Isco forced his way into the side which meant this XI of players didn’t start a game, despite being arguably the best team the coach could put out.
Unfortunately for Zinedine Zidane, it didn’t change his side’s fortunes as Madrid put in another shaky display.
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4. Zidane’s Bale out
This was a frustrating night for the Welsh winger, who barely managed to get involved in the game before he was taken off in the 66th minute.
Bale was replaced by Isco as Zidane changed from 4-3-3 back to 4-4-2, the formation he used at the end of last season and for most of this one.
The coach’s main selection dilemma is which of Isco or Bale to play, and for long periods the latter’s injury trouble has saved Zidane from having to make a choice.
Here Zidane hooked the team’s record signing and gave fan favourite Isco a chance to shine.
Madrid improved with the Spanish playmaker’s introduction, putting sustained pressure on Levante, and eventually the substitute struck, although it was not enough to win the game.
(Image: Getty Images)
5. False dawn
Although Madrid thrashed Valencia 4-1 last weekend, anybody who watched closely would have been able to see that they were lucky, and their slump is not over.
Martin Montoya foolishly gave Madrid two penalties and Valencia’s poor finishing stopped them from scoring more goals of their own.
Levante played with heart and spirit, pulling themselves level and giving as good as they got for most of the game, which turned into a ragged, end-to-end affair.
Eventually one bright moment from Isco and Benzema put Madrid back ahead, but they didn't have the strength to hold out and 33-year-old veteran forward Pazzini pulled Levante level again.
Throwing away the lead twice shows the lack of confidence in the Madrid dressing room at the moment.