Levante strike late to deny Real

Real went into the game looking to leapfrog Valencia and move into third in La Liga, but they were pushed all the way by a stubborn Levante side.

Things started perfectly for the visitors, Marcelo twice went close before Real took the lead with just 11 minutes played.

Toni Kroos swung in a corner from the right and Sergio Ramos rose highest to head home on his return to the team, though Oier in the home goal should have done much better.

Real threatened to dominate the game from that point as Ronaldo blazed over following a Bale cut-back and the Portuguese almost converted after Oier spilled an effort from Kroos.

However, Real failed to add to their lead and as the half went on, Levante grew into the game.

First, Ivi fired wide from range after skipping past his man with quick feet before the hosts drew level.

Just three minutes before the break Jose Luis Morales was sent racing clear by Sasa Lukic and when his effort was saved by Keylor Navas, the ball dropped perfectly for the industrious Emmanuel Boateng to slot home from the edge of the box.

That goal meant that the two sides went in level at the break and the second half stated with both sides looking dangerous.

Levante regularly threatened on the counter, with their best chance coming when Morales drove forward before the ball fell for Jefferson Lerma, but Navas was equal to his effort.

- Real dominance - 

As the game went on though Real stepped up a gear, going close through Isco and Benzema, before Ramos saw another header clawed away by Oier.

The pressure eventually told and Real took the lead with 81 minutes on the clock.

Desperate not to give away a corner, Rober kept the ball in play, allowing Benzema to square for Isco to power home from 12 yards.

- Levante late show - 

'Los Blancos' proceeded to switch off from that point though and should have been pegged back when Jason inexplicably headed Morales' cross from the left wide at the far post when under no pressure whatsover.

There was still time for a late twist though, as substitute Giampaolo Pazzini struck after good work from Jason.

The Italian peeled off his marker to find space in behind and curled home for a memorable debut goal.

The result leaves Real Madrid in fourth place, some 18 points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona, whilst Levante extend the gap between themselves and the bottom three to three points.