Real Madrid: 5 burning questions from a lethargic loss to Levante

Did Eden Hazard take a step back against Levante?

Madridistas were hopeful that Eden Hazard would put together a strong performance on Matchday 21 after posting his best individual effort in his most recent from injury last weekend against Deportivo Alaves. Hazard was not dominant on the ball in that match, but he had a great backheel flick for an assist and an even better touch to set up his third goal of the 2020-2021 campaign.

Unfortunately, Hazard could not string together consecutive above-average performances, as he was too quiet against Levante. He wasn’t terrible by any means, but you’d expect a player of Hazard’s caliber to do more than draw a couple of fouls and pass the ball sideways. Left back Ferland Mendy and striker Karim Benzema did not exactly do Hazard any favors as poor supporting casts for the No. 7, but Hazard has to bear some responsibility.

The reality is that while Hazard’s had a couple of very good performances this season, we’ve still not yet seen the Hazard we need to see frequently enough. Levante’s defense isn’t one of the best in the league, so the matchup was there for Hazard to have an encore performance from his display at Alaves. Hazard did not deliver, and now he is facing a get-right matchup against Huesca next weekend – the same team he tore up in his very first start of the 2020-2021 season.