Gareth Bale bagged a brace, as Cristiano Ronaldo endured a frustrating night in a comfortable 2-0 win for Real Madrid against Levante.
After successive defeats to Athletic Bilbao and Schalke the result was much-needed for Carlo Ancelotti’s side ahead of next week’s Clasico clash against Barcelona, with Levante rarely threatening the home side.
Bale’s first half double was enough to secure the three points, although the Welshman’s performance was somewhat overshadowed by a display of petulance from Ronaldo following both goals, with Bale’s second inadvertently coming as the result of a Ronaldo shot.
The win draws Real Madrid to within a point of Liga leaders Barcelona ahead of next Sunday’s clash at the Camp Nou, with Ancelotti undoubtedly pleased with the performance of Luka Modric who played 78 minutes after returning from injury.