Real Madrid: 3 keys to victory against Levante on LaLiga’s Matchday 2
Real Madrid were off to a flying start in the season opener against Alaves, a game that they won 4-1 after a goalless first half. In the upcoming matchday, however, Los Blancos will face a relatively improved opponent in form of Levante UD. We all remember their heroics from last season and how they influenced the title race securing a draw and then a win against Champions, Atletico Madrid in consecutive games.
Levante faced Cadiz away from home in their league opener. They had the upper hand in that game and had their noses in front in the first half itself. But, an injury-time equalizer meant that they could take home only one point from the match. They’d now be welcoming Real Madrid who’d be playing their second away game on the run. As always and especially after a glamourous opener, Real would be expected to win, here are the three keys that can help them get there.
1. Real Madrid’s attacking trio needs to maintain their link-ups
It was a breath of fresh air to see Real Madrid’s big three in attack working almost telepathically at times. Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema, and Eden Hazard all looked in fine touch and they were linking up brilliantly well in the attacking third. Out of the three Hazard and Benz especially looked magical playing together, while Gareth Bale, among others, had an encouraging start.
The same should be continued for the second game. We saw in Levante’s season opener, how Cadiz were able to create space for themselves inside the box and create chances. The equalizer too came from inside the area and flew into the top corner. If masterful space usage is what can trouble Levante’s defense then they’d be up for some hard time given the way Madrid’s front three are linking up.
The first key therefore would be to continue with the smart exchanges and bringing that little unexpected movement or touch to deceive the defense. Levante’s central defense didn’t have a great game last time out and if things aren’t improved on their end then the Bale-Benzema-Hazard linkup is bound to cause major problems.