The Real Champs
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Three takeaways from Real Madrid’s bizarre win over Levante

By Ben Sundock

Gareth Bale of Real Madrid celebrates after scoring his sides first goal whit Luka Modric during the week 25 of La Liga match between Levante UD and Real Madrid at Ciutat de Velencia Stadium in Valencia, Spain on February 24, 2019. (Photo by Jose Breton/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Gareth Bale of Real Madrid celebrates after scoring his sides first goal whit Luka Modric during the week 25 of La Liga match between Levante UD and Real Madrid at Ciutat de Velencia Stadium in Valencia, Spain on February 24, 2019. (Photo by Jose Breton/NurPhoto via Getty Images) /
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Real Madrid secured all three points on the road against Levante on Sunday night, but it was a very odd match from start to finish. Here are three takeaways!

In a potential trap game for Los Blancos, manager Santiago Solari had to get some help from referee Ignacio Iglesias Villanueva and the Video Assistant Referee to see his side win 2-1 and keep pace with rivals Atletico Madrid.

After Los Rojiblancos saw off Villarreal earlier Sunday, Real Madrid came into the match in the Estadi Ciutat de València knowing that in order to stay just two points behind of Atleti, they had to win.

Thanks to two penalty kicks and a late red card to a player on the Levante bench, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema saw Real through.

Here are three takeaways from the bizarre match.

Gareth Bale of Real Madrid celebrates after scoring his sides first goal whit Luka Modric during the week 25 of La Liga match between Levante UD and Real Madrid at Ciutat de Velencia Stadium in Valencia, Spain on February 24, 2019.(Photo by Jose Breton/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Gareth Bale of Real Madrid celebrates after scoring his sides first goal whit Luka Modric during the week 25 of La Liga match between Levante UD and Real Madrid at Ciutat de Velencia Stadium in Valencia, Spain on February 24, 2019.(Photo by Jose Breton/NurPhoto via Getty Images) /

Gareth Bale’s goal and celebration?

We once again saw the Welsh Dragon relegated to the bench for the beginning of this match by his manager after what was a busy off-week in the news.

Bale’s name made headlines during the week after Marcelo claimed the forward had not made an effort to learn Spanish or bond with his teammates. This has, of course, led members of the media to assume that he will be pushing for a return to England this summer.

After coming on for Benzema in the 74th minute and converting the game-winning goal from the penalty spot in the 78th minute, the number 11 refused to celebrate with Luka Modric, Lucas Vazquez, and other teammates as he trotted back to the midfield line.

Bale’s demeanor throughout his time on the field was rather negative and it is clear he is unhappy with something going on internally. The goal from the penalty spot was Bale’s seventh of the La Liga campaign and second goal in the league this month.

The forward has only started the match against Ajax in the Champions League thus far in February and could be unhappy with Solari choosing Lucas Vazquez over him with regularity now.

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