Real Madrid is back and angrier than ever.
Los Merengues lost La Liga to city rivals Atletico Madrid last summer, and it saw a change in the backroom staff – with Carlo Ancelotti returning to pay tribute to the white half of the Spanish capital.
? @Benzema loves to win trophies, pass it on. # Benzema2023 pic.twitter.com/9siSBmyIeK
– Real Madrid CF ???? (@realmadriden) August 20, 2021
His revolution began with a convincing 4-1 victory over Alaves during the season’s opening weekend, and Karim Benzema was on again with a brilliant stay. Madrid meet Levante in the second week of the game, hoping to continue their 100% record.
It will not be easy against a stubborn Levante side, but los Merengues expects no less than three points on their travels. Do they get another win over the line?
Here is a 90 minute preview of the game.
When is kick off? Sunday 22 AugustWhat time is kick off? 21:00 (BST)Where is it played? Estadio Ciudad de ValenciaTV channel / livestream? Premier Sports 1 / LaLiga TV (UK), ESPN + (USA)Judge? Juan Martínez Munuera
A chance at redemption / Soccrates Images / Getty Images
Ancelotti is not blessed with a full squad to choose from, as he remains without Dani Ceballos, Ferland Mendy and Toni Kroos. Dani Carvajal is still out of action as well, while Luka Modric is a new injury concern, after suffering a groin problem.
Gareth Bale started against Alaves when he returned to Madrid, and he may well be offered the chance to shine again on Sunday night. The Welshman should line up with Benzema and Eden Hazard.
As for Levante, they can be without experienced striker Roberto Soldado through injury, while Alex Blesa and Dani Gomez also miss. The match winner from the most recent meeting, Roger Marti, should have the chance to repeat the story.
Levante: Fernandez; Son, Duarte, Pier, Clerc; De Frutos, Campana, Melero, Morales; Enis Bardhi, Marti
Real Madrid: Courtois; Vazquez, Militao, Nacho, Alaba; Casemiro, Valverde, Isco; Bale, Benzema, Hazard
Levante on the results list / Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno / Getty Images
Can Levante be described as a bit of a bogey team for Madrid? The Spanish giants would usually send a club of this size with ease nine times out of ten, but this has not been the case with Levante in recent years.
Los Blancos have only won three of their last eight encounters with the frogs and suffered as many defeats. The last meeting saw Levante swing to the Spanish capital and secured the most dramatic of the 2-1 victories, which ultimately cost Madrid the title.
Levante seems to have Merengue’s number.
On the hunt / Juan Manuel Serrano Arce / Getty Images
The feel good factor is alive among Madrid’s players, as the ego wiper Ancelotti does his magic. The 4-1 hammering of Alaves sets the tone for how the Italian wants his side to play this season, and Levante will feel a nervous touch for this one.
Benzema has started the season in the same way he played the entire last campaign, and we want him to be among the goals once again. It may not be as productive 90 minutes for Madrid, but they should get the job done.
Prediction: Levante 0-2 Real Madrid
