Levante vs. Real Madrid: Complete Preview, Start Time and Schedule

This weekend's match between Real Madrid and Levante is extremely important for Los Blancos. Jose Mourinho's outfit currently sits atop La Liga standings and does not want to give up the small lead they currently hold over Barcelona.

The Catalan Giants played to a disappointing 2-2 draw with Real Sociedad last weekend, while Real Madrid beat up on Getafe, 4-2. Real Madrid's 10 goals-for leads the Primera Division. 

Levante comes into this match on the heels of a scoreless draw with Racing Santander. Unfortunately, their 1-1 draw with Getafe to open the season foreshadows a possible drubbing at the hands of Los Blancos. 

Where: Estadio Ciudad de Valencia—Valencia 

When: Sunday, Sept. 18, at 14:00 p.m. EDT (2 p.m. EDT)

Watch: GolTV USA, Sport.TV2 

Betting Line (via Bodog.com): Real Madrid minus-500, Levante plus-110, Draw plus-500 

Key Injuries

Real Madrid: Nuhri Zahin (out until November)

Levante: Asier Del Horno, Rafa Jorda 

Biggest Storyline: Can Real Madrid Avoid a Letdown?

Los Blancos face off with Dinamo Zagreb in UEFA Champions League play today, only four days after their win over Getafe. They are then slated to take the pitch against Racing Santander, just three days after this match with Levante.

Three games in seven days is a lot for some of these players and it will be interesting to see what lineups Mourinho uses.

Barcelona's 2-2 draw against Real Sociedad saw several normal starters on the bench at the beginning of play and Real Madrid now holds the early advantage in the table.

If they falter just once, Barcelona will likely be back at the top of the table with them. 

Player To Watch from Real Madrid: Cristiano Ronaldo and/or Mesut Ozi

The Portuguese superstar leads La Liga in goals scored already (with four) and doesn't look like he is going to cool down any time soon.

Whenever he is on the pitch, he is a threat from anywhere. Levante, who have had trouble scoring so far in this campaign, cannot afford to let him get off to a fast start.

If Mourinho decides to rest the 26-year-old at all, then Ozil will be the man to watch.

The 22-year-old German playmaker is tied for the La Liga lead in assists and is one of the more special playmakers we have seen in the game in recent years. His continued growth will only make this team that much better.

Player To Watch from Levante: Jose Barkero

The 32-year-old Spanish midfielder has had the most opportunities so far this season for a squad struggling to score goals.

He hasn't found the back of the net yet, but he accounts for 30 percent of the team's shots on goal—which isn't saying much, considering they only have three—but he's gotten off six shots so far.

It will be nearly impossible for Levante to keep Madrid off the score sheet, so they have to hope they can create opportunities. 

What They're Saying:

Cristiano Ronaldo has made headlines by scoring goals early this season, but he's also made headlines for a bit of arrogance (shocking). He was quoted (via Goal.com) as saying he doesn't care what people make of him:

"I'm not interested in what people say about me. I am always in top form; I work hard on myself. That's why nobody makes an attack on my sporting abilities."

And he's right. He is always in top form, so don't expect the controversy—regarding his comment that he doesn't know who Mario Gotze of Borussia Dortmund is—to affect his play at all. 

Prediction: Real Madrid 4, Levante 1