Levante 3-3 Real Madrid: Gareth Bale scores in thriller

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Ruben Vezo, a Portuguese defender, was in goal for Levante's 10-man team

Real Madrid and Levante played out six-goal thriller. Gareth Bale scored his first La Liga goal since 2019, and an outfield player ended up in goal.

Bale scored on Karim Benzema’s pass, but Roger Marti equalized 28 seconds later.

Jose Campana volleyed Levante ahead but Vinicius Jr levelled.

Rober Pier brought Levante back in the lead, but Vinicius made it 3-3 with an intelligent finish before Aitor Fernandez, Levante's goalkeeper was dismissed.

He ran 20 meters outside of his box and stopped Rodrygo from passing him. Defender Ruben Vezo had to score for the last few minutes.

Levante was able to save himself because Real never forced him to.

It looked like that was the story of the game when Bale scored the opener against Real with a smart first-time finish.

It was Carlo Ancelotti's first La Liga goal since September 2019, and the first Real goal in any competition since January 2020.

Half-time was over with Real 1-0 ahead and in control. It seemed like the only question would have been how much.

The Valencia hosts were levelled less than 30 seconds later when Marti scored from Gonzalo Mero's through ball.

Then they led Campana's spectacular volley to the top corner of Jorge de Frutos cross.

Real brought Bale off the field as part of a triple-sub that saw Vinicius arrive on. Real was saved by Vinicius.

He first ran onto Casemiro’s through ball, before keeping his composure to slot home.

Pier was again in the lead after David Alaba snubbed a free kick into his path. Levante led again

Vinicius' clipped finish on the interior of the post saved Real a point.

Fernandez was red-carded by Levante one minute after their last substitution. However, Real couldn't take advantage of Vezo’s appearance with the gloves within six minutes of injury.