Levante Holds Real Madrid In La Liga Thriller
Welsh International Gareth Bale scored his first goal in almost two years for Real Madrid but substitute Vinicius Jr. stole the show with two late strikes to rescue a 3-3 draw at Levante in a thrilling Spanish La Liga encounter.
Bale got Real off to a fine start in the 5th minute and Carlo Ancelotti’s side dominated the rest of the first half but found themselves 2-1 down early in the second period.
Levante striker Roger Marti beat goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to level in the first minute after the interval before Jose Campana put the hosts in front with a sensational volley in the 57th minute.
Ancelotti took off Bale, Eden Hazard and Isco moments after the goal and substitute Vinicius had a prompt impact, levelling in the 73rd minute with a coolly taken finish following a defence-splitting through-ball from deep by Casemiro.
Levante restored their lead in the 79th through Roger Pier following a free-kick but Vinicius again came to Real’s rescue, levelling in the 85th minute with an audacious shot in off the post from a tight angle.
More chaos was to come as Levante keeper Aitor Fernandez was sent off for flying out of his area and handling the ball to stop a Real Madrid counter, leaving defender Ruben Vezo to don the gloves and protect the goal for the remaining few minutes.
Fortunately for Levante, Madrid never forced him into a save as the game finished 3-3.
La Liga results
Real Sociedad 1-0 Rayo Vallecano
Attic Madrid 1-0 Elche
Levante 3-3 Real Madrid
Chidi Nwoke/La Liga.
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