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After their shock Copa del Rey exit in midweek, Real Madrid will likely be pleased to be facing one of La Liga's struggling sides. That said, Levante are showing some signs of improvement following a difficult start to the campaign. Having drawn with Real Sociedad just ahead of new manager Luís Castro's arrival, the Granotes have since acquired four points from their two La Liga fixtures. However, the Portuguese tactician will face his toughest test yet when he heads to the capital this weekend.
Despite what happened in Albacete, Madrid remain overwhelming favourites for this clash. Victory is essential for the 36-time La Liga winners, as they look to close the gap on reigning champions Barcelona.
So, how do we expect this one to unfold?
Real Madrid v Levante predictions
Real Madrid to win to nil: 21/20 (bet365)
Real Madrid HT/FT: 1/2 (bet365)
Real Madrid to score in both halves: 1/2 (bet365)
Odds, correct at the time of publication, are subject to change.
A dominant win
Levante face one of their toughest matches of the season. Despite those recent signs of improvement, they have failed to score in three of their last six La Liga outings. Meanwhile, Real have conceded just six goals in nine league home matches this term and kept a clean sheet in two of their last four, although this figure would have risen to three had it not been for Cucho Hernández's second-half consolation in the recent 5-1 hammering of Real Betis.
Furthermore, the hosts ran out 6-0 winners in the last meeting between these sides at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Prediction: Real Madrid to win to nil: 21/20 (bet365)
Explanation: This bet lands if Real Madrid win and Levante fail to score.
Leading at half-time and the final whistle
Real Madrid will be desperate to put their Copa del Rey humiliation behind them, so expect them to make a fast start in this one. An early goal would certainly settle the nerves, while the natives will be demanding their team to maintain plenty of attacking energy throughout the entirety of the 90 minutes.
Los Blancos have been in front at the interval in four of their last five league matches on home soil - that statistic may well change to five in six come Saturday afternoon.
Prediction: Real Madrid HT/FT: 1/2 (bet365)
Explanation: This bet lands if Real Madrid are ahead at half-time, before going on to win the match.
Madrid to score in both halves
If Arbeloa's men are going full throttle to avenge Wednesday's embarrassing defeat, they're likely to create plenty of goalscoring opportunities in both the first and second halves. Real Madrid have netted in before and after the break in three of their last four home league contests, so don't be surprised if they replicate this feat on the weekend.
Having already shipped 30 goals this season, Levante currently have the third-worst defensive record in La Liga. Therefore, don't be surprised if we see a flurry of goalmouth action at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Prediction: Real Madrid to score in both halves: 1/2 (bet365)
Explanation: This bet lands if Madrid score at least once in each half.
Real Madrid v Levante - Match Result odds
Odds, correct at the time of publication, are subject to change.
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Odds, correct at the time of publication, are subject to change.