EUROZONE JOLLY ROGER
Marti helps sink 10-man Real Madrid
REAL MADRID’S La Liga title ambitions were hit again following a surprise home defeat by Levante.
Real were reduced to 10 men after just nine minutes when defender Eder Militao was shown a straight red card.
And although Marco Asensio put Real ahead just moments later, goals from Jose Luis Morales and Roger Marti sank the hosts.
Real remain seven points behind city rivals Atletico Madrid, who travel to Cadiz today to play the first of two games they have in hand.
With manager Zinedine Zidane still sidelined after contracting coronavirus, No.2 David Bettoni said: “The players are sad but motivated to turn the situation around.
We will fight for all the titles until the end. The team played with pride and character – it’s normal to be disappointed.”
Bettoni took charge of a Real side bidding to win backto-back league victories.
But they faced an uphill task after
Militao hauled down Sergio Leon.
Militao (right) was initially shown a yellow card for tripping Leon outside the penalty area, before a VAR review upgraded his punishment for denying a goalscoring opportunity.
Real appeared untroubled as Asensio finished from Toni Kroos’ fine through-ball.
Yet Levante captain Morales’ first-time strike from Jorge Miramon’s cross made it level before the break.
Marti then blew a chance to put Levante into the lead when his penalty was saved by Thibaut Courtois.
But Marti made amends, converting Enis Bardhi’s pass on 78 minutes to give mid-table Levante the win.