Levante Vs Real Madrid Full Highlights HD Liga BBVA Week 5 25.09.2010


Real Madrid lost top spot in the Primera Division after being held to a surprise goalless draw by promoted Levante at the Ciutat de Valencia.
It was a frustrating evening for Jose Mourinho's side, who made virtually all the running but could find no way through a Levante defence that had conceded 10 goals in their opening four games - the worst record in La Liga.

The result means Madrid are now two points behind Valencia, who beat Sporting Gijon earlier this evening.

Madrid came into the match having picked up 10 points from their opening four games but without hitting top gear and without making the most of the chances they have been creating.

And it was a similar story tonight as the big-spending Spanish giants dominated for large spells but with nobody being able to beat Levante goalkeeper Manuel Reina, who helped his side claim their first points at home to Madrid after five previous defeats against the capital club.

Last season's top scorer Gonzalo Higuain set the tone for a disappointing night for the title hopefuls when he fired over from six yards out in the 10th minute.

Angel Di Maria then failed to get enough power on his attempted lob over Reina following a great pass from Cristiano Ronaldo, who himself twice came close to breaking the deadlock before half-time.

The first time saw Reina produce a fine diving save to keep out his towering header, and then the Portuguese superstar prodded wide of goal after just pipping Reina to a weak back-header.

Higuain also saw a goal disallowed for offside before Sergio Ramos blazed over at the far post just before the interval.

As the second half progressed Madrid became encamped in the Levante half, but despite peppering the hosts' goal with crosses and shots they could still not get their noses in front.

Mourinho threw on Karim Benzema and Pedro Leon in a double substitution in the 62nd minute for some fresh ideas, and the latter pushed his claims for a starting berth with a decent showing during his time on the pitch, even if he was unable to fashion a goal.

The summer signing from Getafe set up Benzema in the 78th minute but the Frenchman could not turn the ball in from close range.

Benzema went closer six minutes later with a shot that Reina almost spilled into his own net, while Leon fired over and also saw a shot parried by the home goalkeeper.

The final chance of the match fell to Higuain deep into stoppage time but he was denied by Reina as he attempted to round the 25-year-old, and the Levante defender managed to smuggle the ball out for a corner before soon after celebrating a famous result for the Valencia-based club.

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