Real Madrid moved four points clear of third-placed Atletico Madrid with a 5-1 win over Levante at the Bernabeu in La Liga on Saturday.
It was Levante who took the lead after 31 minutes when Michel found the back of the net following a sweeping move.
Madrid turned it around in the latter stages of the first period, however, with Gonzalo Higuain and a Kaka penalty moving them into a 2-1 lead at the interval.
The home side continued to dominate in the second half, but they had to wait until the latter stages for Cristiano Ronaldo and a Mesut Ozil double to add gloss to the score.
Here, Sports Mole dissects the 90 minutes of action between the two La Liga rivals.
Match statistics:
Real Madrid:
Shots: 28
On target: 11
Possession: 75%
Corners: 6
Fouls: 10
Levante:
Shots: 8
On target: 3
Possession: 25%
Corners: 5
Fouls: 8
Was the result fair?
Madrid certainly deserved to pick up all three points this evening, but it could and should have been more comfortable, which seems strange to say when they have won 5-1. They fell behind entirely against the run of play in the first period, but rallied to take a 2-1 lead into the interval. They had a host of chances in the second half, but left it until very late to be sure of the points.
Real Madrid's performance
In truth, this was just about as comfortable as Madrid have been for some time. It wasn't their best performance of the season in the first period, but they snapped into gear in the second period, with Ronaldo and Kaka linking to good effect. They could have won by a cricket score in the second period, but had to settle for just the five goals.
Levante's performance
Juan Ignacio Martinez's side may have lost by just the four goals this evening, but it could and should have been much more. They were fortunate to take the lead, but did not offer an attacking threat in the second half as they fell apart to concede three late goals. However, their league finish this season will not depend on results at places such as the Bernabeu.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Kaka: It hasn't been the best of seasons for the Brazilian, but there is no doubting his talent. He was just stunning in the first period as he dictated the tempo, while adding his side's second with a cool penalty. He was withdrawn on the hour mark, but he was the outstanding player in the contest.
Biggest gaffe of the match
Having scored against the run of play, Levante collapsed in three first-half minutes as they conceded twice to surrender the lead. The first goal from Higuain was just stunning, but Madrid were allowed far too much room for the second, while the handball was just about as cheap as you will ever see.
Referee performance
Carlos Clos had a fairly productive 90 minutes of action this afternoon. The Spaniard rightly awarded Madrid a penalty in the first period and was quick on the scene to deal with each dangerous challenge. He was hardly noticed throughout the duration, which is always a good sign for a referee.
What next?
Real Madrid: Madrid will attempt to book their spot in the Champions League semi-finals when they travel to Galatasaray on Tuesday, holding a 3-0 advantage from the first leg of their quarter-final clash.
Levante: Levante will hope to return to winning ways when they welcome in-form Deportivo La Coruna in the league next Saturday.
