Real Madrid moved into second position in the La Liga table with a 5-0 win over Levante this afternoon.

Goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Javier Hernandez left the visitors with a two-goal lead at the break.

Ronaldo added his second just past the hour mark, before James Rodriguez and Isco got in on the act.

Here, Sports Mole dissects the 90 minutes of action between the two Spanish rivals.

Match statistics

Levante
Shots: 9
On target: 1
Possession: 37%
Corners: 6
Fouls: 13

Real Madrid
Shots: 19
On target: 11
Possession: 63%
Corners: 3
Fouls: 8

Was the result fair?

There is no question that the visitors deserved to pick up all three points this afternoon, but the scoreline of 5-0 is perhaps a little harsh on Levante, who had some bright spells during the match. Ultimately, however, the statistics do not lie and the fact that the hosts managed just one attempt on target is a clear indication of their struggles in Valencia. Real Madrid, on the other hand, looked capable of scoring each time that they broke into the final third. Los Blancos were in second gear for much of the second period, but still managed to score three goals, which will have sent out a statement to their rivals in the league.

Levante's performance

In truth, it is not too difficult to see why Levante have struggled thus far this season. They did produce a positive response to falling 1-0 behind, but never really threatened to upset the away side's defence. Real Madrid's first came from the penalty spot, but it was a poor piece of defending from Juanfran, who brought Hernandez to the ground inside the box. Levante committed numbers forward after falling behind, but were hit by a hammer blow before the break when Hernandez scored from close range. They started the second period in positive fashion, but their problems in the final third were still apparent. When Ronaldo scored his second just past the hour mark it became purely a damage limitation exercise. Whether Levante survive this season is not going to depend on their results against teams such as Real Madrid, but they must respond quickly.

Real Madrid's performance

It would be fair to say that Los Blancos made a shaky start to the season - losing two of their first three in the league. However, they have now won five on the bounce. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti was without the services of Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and Sergio Ramos in Valencia, but his team still had more than enough to run out comfortable winners. It was a straightforward afternoon for Madrid's back four, but there were a number of impressive performers further forward, with Isco shining alongside Ronaldo and James. Los Blancos would have wanted a fairly simple contest ahead of what is a big week - with Liverpool and then Barcelona to come - and that is exactly what they got. However, whether their troubles are behind them will be tested over the next seven days.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Cristiano Ronaldo: Isco ran the Portuguese close for this accolade, but it simply must be handed to Ronaldo, who has now scored 15 league goals this season. His first came from the penalty spot, but his second was a powerful finish following a mazy run. Each time he gathered possession of the ball, Levante dropped deeper and deeper. There are concerns about the attacker's fitness at the moment, but he is showing no ill-effects on the field.

Biggest gaffe

At 38, Levante skipper Juanfran was the most experienced player on the pitch this afternoon. However, he made a really poor decision that cost his team in the first period. With Hernandez advancing into the box, the right-back decided to lunge at the Mexican from behind. The referee was quickly on hand to award a penalty, with a booking also following. It was a really poor challenge from a player who should have known better.

Referee performance

Ignacio Iglesias had a very busy first period this afternoon - issuing four yellow cards, all for Levante, during what was a feisty first half of football. The Spaniard was guilty of stopping the play on too many occasions in the first 45 minutes, but that changed in the second period, with the referee much more open to allowing the play to flow. There were moments when the official was too picky, but he got the one major decision correct - issuing the visitors a first-half penalty.

What next?

Levante: The Valencia-based side return to La Liga action away to Celta Vigo on October 24.

Real Madrid: Los Blancos are in Champions League action away to Liverpool on Wednesday, before welcoming Barcelona in the first El Clasico of the season on October 25.