Vinicius brace salvages draw for Real Madrid at Levante

Real Madrid dropped two points in their bid for the La Liga title in a thrilling contest at the Ciutat de Valencia. Gareth Bale had put Madrid ahead after five minutes and the second half was full of action. Roger Marti levelled for Levante seconds after the resumption and Jose Campana put Levante ahead 11 minutes later. Vinicius then equalised twice for Ancelotti's men late on either side of Rober Pier's goal.

In fact, the away side were the more likely to get the winner late on as Levante ended the game with a defender in goal after goalkeeper Aitor Fernandez was sent off for handling outside the box. In any case, Levante fully deserved their point and the result was fair.

Madrid got off to the perfect start when Alaba played a lovely ball forward for Benzema, he got into the box and laid off for Gareth Bale who made no mistake. Despite the setback, Levante continued to have possession and territory, but they were unable to really threaten Courtois in the Madrid goal.

At the other end, Madrid looked more dangerous and Valverde, Bale, Isco and Benzema all had efforts, but they failed to hit the target. RM were comfortable at half-time, but that all changed in the second half.

Roger levelled for the hosts seconds into the second half after lovely play from Morales and Melero saw the latter pass to Roger and he hit past Courtois. That gave the home side a lift and after 57 minutes, they took an unexpected lead. Jorge De Frutos sent a ball to the back stick and Jose Campana thundered a superb volley into the goal. It was an absolutely sensational strike and Courtois had no chance.

Madrid brought on Asensio, Vinicius and Rodrygo to try and change things and Vinicius was superb. In the 73rd minute, Madrid countered through Casemiro, he picked out Vinicius who ran onto the ball he sent it into the far corner. The much criticised Vinicius had once again scored, but there was to be another twist.

Levante won themselves a free-kick, Bardhi delivered, the ball struck Alaba on the head and Rober Pier scored to put Levante ahead again. Then Cantero had the chance to seal the points for Levante, but he was denied by the post and Real Madrid punished them.

With five minutes left, Benzema passed to Vinicius in the box and he played the ball into the net off the far post to make it 3-3. It could have been even better for Madrid when Vinicius was through on goal again, but Fernandez handled outside his own box and saw red. With no subs left, Ruben Vezo had to go in goal, but he was untroubled and the points were deservedly shared.