Real Madrid 1-2 Levante - Julen Lopetegui's side suffer third loss in six games
Julen Lopetegui looked forlornly to the floor as the final whistle blew. In the stands too they whistled and whirled white handkerchiefs. AS The Spanish manager, who arrived at the club under such controversial circumstances, anxiously chewed his bottom-lip even his thoughts were surely in parallel with those angry supporters - it's over.
As the 54th minute passed, Real Madrid officially surpassed the 465 minute tally which had previously been their all -time longest goal drought. Eventually, even when they did find an oasis, their performance was lacklustre and often lifless. It seems the only way Madrid can recover post-Ronaldo is to become post-Lopetegui too.
JulenLopetegui has only been in charge at the Bernabeu for two months (Getty)
Madrid's decline could be characterised by the ease with which Levante scored their first goal. Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane allowed a simple through ball from counterpart centre-back Sergio Postigo to drift between them which Jose Morales gleefully pounced on, rounded the helpless Thibaut Courtois and prodded home for his fourth goal of the season after just six minutes.
And again, it was Varane at fault for Levante's second just minutes later. The ball bounced on the edge of the area and hit his flailing arm and although the referee initially awarded a free-kick on the edge of the box, it was then overturned by VAR.
Levante have now won three games in a row (Getty)
Morales' strike partner Roger calmly converted from the spot and Madrid were two down after the opening fifteen minutes of a match for the first time since February 2017.
Feeling the remnants of his Real career ebb away, Lopetegui had made all three of his substitutions by the 60th minute. Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale came on and immediately offered a predatorial instinct in the final third which for a while threatened to overturn the deficit, espefcially after the former's trickery teed up Marcelo's thrash into the roof of the net on 72 minutes to claw one back.
Marcelo gave Real Madrid slight hope of a comeback (Getty)
However, it wasn't to be. Even as Bale half-heartedly attempted to gee up the crowd, they are a side who seem to have lost their soul. This was their third loss in a row. They have won just one of their last five. And as the Levante players celebrated their historic win in the centre-circle at the full-time whistle, they were the happy ending in a tragic Madrid story for Lopetegui.
Julen Lopetegui looks to the floor. The match is over and his Real Madrid career may well be too. Levante's players celebrate in the centre-circle. They were the better team today and deserved the memorable victory. Their goalkeeper, Oier Olazabal, in particular deserves praise. He made a number of crucial saves.
90+2': Levante are playing with great composure. They're winning fouls and throw-ins, mysterious bouts of cramp which are unsporting but understandable. This would be a huge win for them and there's just 90 seconds to play.
87': Another goal is ruled out! Benzema's header is well saved by Oier who has been outstanding all game and the ball rebounds to Mariano who pokes it home from one yard but he's offside.
85': Morales buys Levante a much-needed reprieve as he cleverly baits Vasquez into a foul after reaching the loose ball first. More valuable seconds tick by but it's not long before Madrid reclaim the ball and the attack continues.
82': There's eight minutes left for Madrid to find the equaliser and they're camping out in Levante's final third, but to no avail thus far. Lopetegui must surely be wishing he had started both Bale and Benzema because they are the two players consistently providing the threat.
74': Close! Real Madrid hit the woodwork again. It's turning into an infatuation for them. Benzema unleashes a lethal shot from 20 yards out and it clatters into the right post.
67': Bale is desperately trying to add a buzz in the final third and works the space for a shot but it's a weak attempt. He turns to the home supporters and tries to encourage them.
64': Ceballos wins a free-kick around 20 yards out and it's the perfect spot for Gareth Bale. He whips it up and over the wall but the curve brings it back towards Oier who parries it out for a corner.
60': Levante have managed to fend off that wave of Madrid attacks and Lopetegui has emptied the bank by making both his side's second and third changes. Benzema and Cabellos come on in place of Asensio and Isco. He knows this may well be his last hurrah if they can't overturn this deficit.
52': It's a needless yellow card for Cabaco after he pulls back Asensio on the edge of the box. Isco whips the ball in dangerously towards Ramos but it's well cleared by Levante.
49': And just like that Madrid come very close via the Croatian. He weedles his way into the box and gets a shot away while under pressure but Oier is there to narrowly divert it wide.
47': Real Madrid already look to have returned from the break rejuvenated and are much more composed on the ball. Modric has command over the space in the centre of the pitch but can Los Blancos break their duck?
45': We're back underway and it's a much needed manoeuvre from the Real Madrid manager who is bringing on Gareth Bale in place of their right back Alvaro Odriozola.
Morales took his first goal so well on the breakaway after latching on to a lovely through ball from Postigo in defence.
The second came from the spot after a freak handball against Varane in the box was given by VAR. Morales' strike partner, Roger, calmy converted past Courtois. Hellfire is currently being unleashed in the home side's dressing room.
