Real Madrid: 5 takeaways from an eventful 3-3 draw with Levante

Real Madrid could not secure all three points against Levante on Matchday 2 of the 2021-2022 LaLiga season, as the Frogs proved, once again, to be pesky competitors to another top side in the league. Jose Campana and Co. were breathtakingly efficient and ruthlessly took advantage of Real’s defensive errors, though Real were efficient in their own right behind a trio of goals from their wingers – including a brace off the bench from a magnificent Vinicius Junior.

Here are five takeaways from Real Madrid’s 3-3 draw with Levante in Valencia on Sunday night.

Carlo Ancelotti is doing exactly what he was hired to do

When Real Madrid pounced at the opportunity to hire Carlo Ancelotti, they did so for two key reasons. The overarching reason is that they were operating under the assumption that they would not be able to make key signings or sales this summer, and, therefore, they needed a manager who would be OK with that.

The corollary reason is more important with respect to Ancelotti’s strengths. Because they were unlikely to sign multiple top players and equally unlikely to find suitors for high-wage players like Isco and Gareth Bale, they needed a “player’s coach” who could both get the most out of those disgruntled veterans and also get the most out of youngsters needing confidence.

We saw all of that come together for Los Blancos at Levante. Gareth Bale scored, Vinicius Junior scored twice, and Isco had one hell of a first half before being taken off to manage his fitness. All three of these players struggled in their last seasons at Real Madrid, yet Ancelotti has breathed new life into them. His approach has sacrificed some defensive solidity, but it has led to a more fluid, exciting attack. And that trade-off just might be worth it.