Internet Desk: Real Madrid received an important boost after getting back to winning ways against Levante winning it 3-1 on Wednesday. Real suffered a defeat in the hands of Atletico Madrid last Saturday and they needed this win to get back their confidence.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who had been critical of his team-mates after the 1-0 loss to their city rivals on Saturday, only to later insist his comments had been “misinterpreted”, converted a 34th-minute penalty to break the deadlock at Estadio Ciudad de Valencia.
An unfortunate own goal by Levante goalkeeper Diego Marino doubled Madrid’s lead four minutes later, only for the hosts to almost immediately pull one back through Brazilian forward Deyverson.
However, Madrid’s ninth successive win over Levante was wrapped up in injury time when Ronaldo’s cut-back from the right byline set up substitute Isco.
The result sees Zinedine Zidane’s side close the gap to second-placed Atletico back to four points, and they now sit four clear of nearest rivals Villarreal, who drew 0-0 at Celta Vigo.
On Tuesday, Atletico Madrid defeated Real Sociedad 3-0. Antoine Griezmann followed up his winner in the derby against Real Madrid on Saturday with a second-half penalty as Diego Simeone’s side cruised to a third victory in their last four domestic outings.
The hosts were gifted the lead after just eight minutes when Real defender Diego Reyes had the misfortune of turning Koke’s cross into his own net.
Saul Niguez made it 2-0 inside the opening minute of the second half, the midfielder meeting Luciano Vietto’s cross on the volley, before Griezmann converted a spot-kick he had won himself on the hour mark.
But, while second-placed Atletico have reduced the deficit Fom table toppers Barcelona, Catalans can restore their eight-point lead when they face Rayo Vallecano on Thursday night.