体坛英语新闻：Easy win for Real Madrid away to Levante

MADRID, Oct. 18 (Xinhua) -- Cristiano Ronaldo was on target yet again as Real Madrid prepared for a difficult week which sees them travel to Liverpool in the Champions League before entertaining FC Barcelona in 'El Clasico' next Saturday with an easy 5-0 win away to Levante.

Ronaldo netted his 14th and 15th goals of the campaign, while Javier Hernandez, James Hernandez and Isco also got their names on the scoresheet in what was a virtual stroll against a that managed just one effort on target all game.

Already without Karim Benzema and Rafael Varene, who were struggling with a fever and Sergio Ramos with a back injury, Real Madrid coach, Carlo Ancelotti opted to also rest Gareth Bale and bring in James Rodriguez, while 'Chicharito' Hernandez replaced Benzema and Nacho Gonzalez covered in central defense.

The writing looked to be on the wall for Levante in the opening minutes as Ronaldo found himself in space in front of the Levante goal, only to uncharacteristically fire both wide.

Madrid were soon ahead, though as Levante defender Juanfran Torres' rash challenge on Hernandez was penalized with a penalty kick and although Levante keeper Diego Marino guessed correctly, he was unable to keep it out.

Real Madrid were controlling the ball, enjoying almost 70 percent of possession, although for a long period they were happy to make their rivals work hard rather than create clear cut chances.

Luka Modric saw a shot palmed over after 36 minutes and after Levante failed to clear their lines the ball fell to James Rodriguez, whose left foot cross was nodded home by Hernandez to make it 2-0.

That goal virtually assured Real Madrid the points against a rival which lacked the intensity of past encounters between the clubs, although rash challenges from Juanfran, Camarasa, Jaime Gavilan and Pedro Lopez all saw them booked before halftime.

It was over as a contest in 61st minute when Ronaldo was fed the ball by Isco and able to round Hector Rodas and Juanfran before scoring with a right foot shot.

Four minutes later it was 4-0 as James controlled Kroos' pass before volleying home from inside the box, before Isco netted the fifth after running unopposed into the Levante area.