Mourinho: We adapted well to poor pitch

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho chose not to criticise the waterlogged pitch at the Ciudat de Valencia and felt his players adapted well to ensure a 2-1 win over Levante.

Real struggled to get into rhythm at the start of Sunday's game due to the soggy conditions, but were aware they had to get a result as leaders Barcelona had already beaten Mallorca earlier in the day.

Despite Cristiano Ronaldo scoring the first goal for Los Blancos, Levante managed to equalise through Angel Rodriguez and defended furiously to prevent a loss on their home ground.

Ultimately, Castilla graduate Alvaro Morata, who had come on as a substitute, rose highest to head Xabi Alonso's free-kick into the goal six minutes before the end to consolidate the points.

"Both teams had to adapt to play in these difficult conditions, but playing in the rain is part of football. Levante reacted well," Mourinho told reporters after the game.

"We deserved to win but Levante made it very difficult, like they always do.

"We had to give everything we had to win the game."

The Portuguese coach had been criticised recently for not allowing enough opportunities for youth academy graduates to fight for a place in the first team.
But Mourinho does not want 20-year-old Morata to get ahead of himself and aspire for regular first-team football just yet.

"Morata is doing well but what is important is that he continues growing as a player and also as a person," he commented.

"[Angel] Di Maria and Callejon were both fantastic."

Ronaldo suffered an injury after just three minutes in the game and had to be substituted at half-time.

Mourinho did not wish to comment on the extent of the injury and explained on the decision: "It was impossible for him to play on so when we get back to Madrid he'll go to hospital to have the necessary checks."