Eden Hazard made his Real Madrid debut as they claimed a nervy 3-2 victory over Levante in LaLiga thanks to two goals from Karim Benzema. (More Football News)
A brace from Benzema, plus a goal from Casemiro, ensured Madrid were firmly in control when 3-0 ahead at the break before a second-half fightback from the visitors.
Borja Mayoral, on loan at Levante from Madrid, pulled a goal back and the home team conceded again when Gonzalo Melero headed in from a corner, with Thibaut Courtois preserving their lead with a fine save in the closing minutes.
Hazard, who joined from Chelsea, was given a warm welcome when introduced on the hour, the Belgium forward having missed his new club's opening three games of the season with a muscle injury.
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Madrid dominated the first half and their pressure and intensity was rewarded with a three-goal cushion at the interval.
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James Rodriguez caused problems for Levante – unbeaten on their previous two visits to the Bernabeu – with the Colombian's clever pass finding Lucas Vazquez, who sent Dani Carvajal scampering free on the right.
Carvajal's high cross was met by Benzema who stole space in front of his marker and glanced a header past Levante goalkeeper Aitor Fernandez.
James was influential again five minutes later when he played a deft pass into the penalty area for Benzema, who clinically dispatched his second.
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However, the pick of Madrid's goals came on the stroke of half-time, a sweeping team move culminating in Vinicius Junior's low cross for Casemiro to tap home from close range.
Mayoral refused to celebrate against his parent club when he netted four minutes after the interval, the forward sweeping the ball home following good work by Carlos Clerc.
Benzema struck the base of the post but Madrid's defence were left hanging on for the final 15 minutes when a well-worked corner allowed substitute Melero to head in at the back post.
What does it mean? Madrid survive second-half scare
Zinedine Zidane's side secured their first home win of the season after a stylish first half full of free-flowing football, but Levante gave them a real fright.
The result means Madrid remain in the chasing pack behind city rivals Atletico Madrid. Levante, meanwhile, leave with their heads held high, albeit no points to show for their efforts.
Brilliance from Benzema
Benzema's international career with France may appear to be over but he will get a chance to remind the French public of his qualities when Madrid go to Paris next. In this kind of form, he will relish the opportunity.
Frustrating day for Fernandez
There was little goalkeeper Fernandez could do about any of Madrid's goals and he will feel slightly aggrieved to have come away with nothing more to show for a decent performance between the posts.
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Key Opta facts
- Only Kylian Mbappe (21) and Lionel Messi (21) have scored more goals in 2019 than Karim Benzema (19) in the top five European Leagues.
- Vinicius Junior provided his first assist in LaLiga (22 games played).
- James Rodriguez has provided 40 assists for Madrid in all competitions, 10 of them for Benzema, more than for any other player (alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, also 10).
- Madrid have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last eight LaLiga games, their second worst run under Zinedine Zidane (9 between December 2017 and February 2018).
- Madrid have won against Levante in LaLiga for the first time since October 2015 at Santiago Bernabeu (D1 L1 in the last two seasons).
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What's next
Madrid begin their Champions League campaign on Wednesday with a trip to Paris Saint-Germain before another tricky away day at Sevilla. As for Levante, they are back in LaLiga action next Saturday when they host Eibar.
