Vinicius Junior’s stay after coming off the bench was just enough to secure a 3-3 draw at Levante on Sunday night as Real Madrid scored four points from their first two La Liga matches of the season.
Los Blancos ran out of the blocks and had the ball behind the net within five minutes. Karim Benzema squeezed David Alaba’s perfectly weighed ball over the top before keeping calm and cutting down for Gareth Bale to finish with confidence and open the scoring.
Gareth Bale opens goal for Real Madrid! ?
It’s a big goal for the Welshman almost two years after he last scored in LaLiga ??????? pic.twitter.com/uM0SUz88DJ
– Premier Sports (@PremierSportsTV) August 22, 2021
Carlo Ancelotti’s men, however, were caught in a nap by a revived Levante immediately after the break. Roger Marti was beaten by Gonzalo Melero before hitting under Thibaut Courtois to equalize the score 28 seconds to what would prove to be a crazy second period.
Los Blancos were left unscathed in the 57th minute when Levante put themselves 2-1 up. Jorge De Frutos put in a deep post from the right wing so that Jose Campana could sensationally fly into Courtois’ top corner.
WHAT A HIT … it’s Campaña on volleyball! ?
An incredible turnaround for Levante as they now lead 2-1 against Real Madrid? pic.twitter.com/tsWJMQxTnX
– Premier Sports (@PremierSportsTV) August 22, 2021
Real Madrid then put pressure on their hosts and eventually found an equalizer in the 73rd minute. Casemiro picked up the ball and played an incredibly driven ball through the Levante side and put Vinicius Junior in goal to beat Aitor Fernandez.
Los Blancos, however, were close again, just five minutes later. Somewhat sloppy defense allowed a pinball from Enis Bardhi’s free kick, before Rober Pier was given the freedom on the six yard box to knock in after the ball had broken.
The madness continued with five minutes left, when Real withdrew to 3-3. Benzema was integrated and recorded the ball in Vinicius who stunned Fernandez with a wonderful hip finish from a narrow angle, embedded in the net via the post.
It’s totally FILTHY from Vinicius! ?
An incredibly nice finish in the post to 3-3! ?
This game is incredible! ? pic.twitter.com/ZeBriB2G6k
– Premier Sports (@PremierSportsTV) August 22, 2021
Fernandez was then dismissed from the pitch two minutes later for rushing out of his penalty area and stopping Vinicius’ pass through the goal with his hand – forcing center-back Ruben Vezo to spend the remaining minutes in goal.
It was surprisingly the last moment of drama, and left the pages with one point each when the whole whistle blew. Now let’s see how the Real Madrid players rated it.
David Alaba’s versatile game was excellent / Quality Sport Images / Getty Images
Thibaut Courtois (GK) – 5/10 – Got a big touch on Martis strike but could not really hold off and had no chance with the second or third goal.
Lucas Vazquez (RB) – 4/10 – An upward threat but left far too much space behind and was very careless in his marking for both Levante goals. Unhooked after the hour.
Eder Militao (CB) – 7/10 – Much less doubt than last time. Read the game well and stood firm most of the time, winning the ball back six times and proving that a flying force passes into the box.
Nacho Fernandez (CB) – 6/10 – Reliable once again, looks confident and comfortable in the heart of the back line while showing his abilities in possession and helping to build from behind.
David Alaba (LB) – 7/10 – Do not overdo the task with defensive tasks as Levante preferred to aim at the opposite flank. Showed his fantastic overall strength with outstanding distribution and delivery – above all, created the move for the opener with a ball over the top for Benzema.
Isco was brilliant in midfield / Aitor Alcalde / Getty Images
Casemiro (DM) – 7/10 – A solid screen to the top four for the majority, comfortably breaking up play – although it seemed overwhelming in the first 15 minutes of the second half when Levante did twice. Also showed a good passing range, and especially took a fantastic assist for his side.
Federico Valverde (CM) – 6/10 – Another energetic, powerful and dynamic display, constantly bombarding up and down the pitch to provide presence throughout the pitch.Isco (CM) – 8/10 – Very hard-working and brilliantly confident performance, fights hard to make four ball recoveries while advancing to attack kicks with silky dribbling. This is Isco we know.
? @ GarethBale11? pic.twitter.com/zvPZzAYHeW
– Real Madrid CF ???? (@realmadriden) August 22, 2021
Gareth Bale (RW) – 7/10 – Great movement in and around the box, where he found spaces where he could injure Levante – especially that he finished well in the box to break the deadlock.
Karim Benzema (ST) – 8/10 – Intelligent performance once again, which proves unsustainable with its variation in setting games within the last third. Kept calm as the ball stayed in the wet grass to help Bale’s opener and set Vinicius for his second.
Eden Hazard (LW) – 7/10 – Nippy, sharp, sweet, creative, imaginative – we got glimpses of the danger we all love. The Levante defense could not move him without occasionally giving away a free kick, even though he seemed to be running out of time.
Vinicius Jr. make 3-3!
Three goals in two games to start La Liga? pic.twitter.com/KNrTgCFRH4
– B / R Football (@brfootball) August 22, 2021
Marco Asensio (CM) – 6/10
Vinicius Junior (LW) – 8/10 – Wow; Real’s biggest danger after coming on. Two fantastic finishes from a player who visibly improves – a lot.
Rodrygo (RW) – 6/10
Dani Carvajal (RB) – 7/10
Luka Jovic (ST) – N / A
