Levante 1-2 Real Madrid: Five Talking Points | LaLiga 2018-19 

Real Madrid returned to wining ways with a nervy 2-1 win over Levante at the Ciutat de Valencia. Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale both struck apiece from the spot on either side of Roger Marti's strike, as Ruben Rochina and Nacho both saw red in the dying moments.

Los Blancos were once again well below their best, struggling to create clear cut opportunities or exert their dominance in the proceedings. The hosts came close to breaking the deadlock when Marti struck against the post, but Benzema fired in a penalty soon after following a handball.

Having struck the post again just before half-time, the Granotas were deservedly level after Marti equalised at the hour mark. However, with another VAR fracas later, the visitors were beneficiaries of a second penalty that Bale duly converted to restore the lead and also seal three vital points.

Here are the major talking points from the match.

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#1 The VAR pandemonium

Real Madrid were lucky to have won a second penalty

Since its introduction to the Spanish LaLiga last summer, the Video Assistant Referee has been called into action in almost every game. But here, it wasn't only consulted multiple times, but also led to a dubious penalty for Real Madrid.

The first one was legitimate, given it was a handball inside the area, and Benzema made no mistake from 12 yards. But Madrid's second penalty shouldn't have been awarded. Cheick Doukoure appeared to have clipped Casemiro inside the area, but the replays showed there was hardly a contact. The referee was quick to consult the VAR, and despite repeat viewings and also communications with the third referee, decided to award a penalty.

Gareth Bale, off the bench in place of Benzema, duly converted to restore Madrid's lead and Levante were plausible to have been felt undone by the result. However, this incident is also a timely reminder that no amount of technology can prevent a human error, and a match official must vigilantly review proceedings before coming to a decision.

#2 Real Madrid don't appear to be a happy camp

Bale refused to celebrate his goal. But why?

In what has been their poorest season in years, looks like the problems plaguing the Maringues run deeper than one expected. With Sergio Ramos suspended for accumulation of cards, Nacho was given a go, but Sergio Regulion starting ahead of Marcelo on the flank raised eye-balls.

The Brazilian has been of course been way below his best this season, but remains an important figure in the side. Being continually overlooked by Santiago Solari wouldn't go down well with the player, while it has also sparked rumors of a possible exit during the summer.

Gareth Bale, another stellar name in the squad, was benched too. Even though this decision was made with one eye on the upcoming pair of Clasicos at the Bernabeu, the Welshman wasn't particularly happy with it, as his cold shoulder to Lukas Vazquez following his penalty demonstrated.

Moreover, Isco, who has been used sparingly throughout the season, was conspicuous by his absence as the Spaniard didn't even make the bench.

Real Madrid are more of a farrago of disgruntlement, unhappiness, poor form and much more. And it definitely isn't a happy camp right now.

#3 Levante once again show attacking flair

Levante ruffled a few feathers again with brilliant offensive play

The Valencia outfit produced an impressive attacking display in the earlier leg to the Whites at the Bernabeu when they stole a two-goal lead in the first-half en route to a historic victory. Now in the return leg, Levante were at it again, putting their mighty guests to the sword with menacing offensive play.

Real Madrid were only clawing their way back in the match after Levante's spirited start, but the hosts turned the tides again and almost grabbed the lead when Roberto Pier's corner kick was arrowed against the post by Marti. Pier was then gifted a chance shortly after, but blazed his shot from the centre of the box into row Z.

It wouldn't be an overstatement to suggest Levante should've been up by two goals before half-time, but missed another glorious chance when Marti struck against the post after going one-on-one with Thibaut Courtois. The Levante striker did eventually get his goal, but more clinical finishing would've ensured a historic league double over Real Madrid.

#4 Nacho's forgetful evening

Nacho was downright poor

The Spaniard came in for the suspended Sergio Ramos, and pulled a stinker. Nacho looked out of sorts from the offing and rushed into some rash challenges. He went into the books for the first time in only the 28th minute, and despite the roughhousing, lasted until the 86th minute.

Nacho was completely eclipsed by Marti and the likes. He was made look like a Sunday League player when the Levante target man stole clear with clever movements and almost bagged another goal when his effort came off the bar. But he made no mistake at the second bite of the cherry when he once again beat his marker in the second-half, and this time, found the net.

Nacho looked well off the pace when trying to keep up with Marti on that occasion. And that's become a common ground this season. Far from filling in for the skipper, the latter's cynical challenges was the only aspect Nacho perfectly emulated. And was eventually sent off for a second bookable offence when he brought down Raphael Dwamena.

That pretty much summed up his horrendous night.

#5 Clasico is out of reach on this evidence

Real Madrid's preparations for Clasico are far from ideal

Real Madrid's performance in this match will do nothing to raise confidence ahead of the back-to-back El Clasicos. The Merengues host Barcelona twice next week - on Wednesday in the second-leg of the Copa Del Rey and on Sunday again in the league game in what's going to decide their fortunes for the season.

Solari's side are nine points behind the champions and a victory at the weekend would blow the title race open again. A win during the midweek would put them through to the semi-finals of the league cup and would be automatic favorites with Atletico already out of the competition. But on this evidence, neither seems likely.

Real were once again disappointing in every department. With a terribly ramshackle defense, an out-of-sorts midfield and an erratic attacking vanguard, nothing can be expected of this side. The Blaugrana would cruise to another thumping if this version of Real Madrid shows up in any (or both) of the ties.

The reigning European champions have plenty of work to do.