Real Madrid are sitting pretty at the top of the La Liga table with a lead of 7 points but the job is far from being done. The next game is against Levante, there are problems for Jose Mourinho to deal with.
Hamit Altintop is expected to be out for over a month after the player tore his calf muscles. Marcelo is also expected to miss this game; he is currently recovering from an injury. Di Maria and Sami Khedira have made good progress and should be fit for this game, although they are expected to start the game on the bench for this home game.
Levante are no pushovers, they have played consistently well this season and currently occupy the fourth place in the league. It would be great for them if they can just stay there; the away side has problems of their own. Juanlu Gomez and Jose Javier will not feature against Real Madrid because of their respective injuries. Xavi Torres will also miss this game for Levante, the player is suspended for this clash. Juanfran will face a late fitness test which will determine his fate, the player picked up a foot injury which he is expected to shake off. Pedro Lopez is also out for the away team, the player continues to recover from flu.
Barcelona will be presented with a chance to cut the lead at the top as they play before Real Madrid, a win for them against Osasuna on Saturday would cut the lead to 4 points. Real Madrid may appear to be in cruise control but getting distracted is hardly an option.
