Gareth Bale scored the winner from the penalty spot as Real Madrid beat Levante 2-1 in Valencia in their last game before the twin Clasicos against arch rivals Barcelona.

Real had taken the lead through Karim Benzema’s 43rd minute penalty but Levante equalised on the hour mark through Roger Marti. A controversial penalty was awarded to Real by Ignacio Iglesias even as replays appeared to show that Casemiro had dived in the box. Bale, who had come on as a 74th minute sub for Karim Benzema, converted from the spot.

There was an element of controversy as Bale refused to celebrate with Lucas Vazquez after slotting the spot kick

Both teams finished with ten men as Ruben Rochina (Levante) and Nacho (Real) were sent off late in the game.