Levante vs Real Madrid preview - Caparros targets Real scalp

Levante coach Joaquin Caparros wants to deal Real Madrid further damage in what could prove to be a crucial early-season game for the capital club.

Caparros' men are unbeaten in six Primera Division games and under little pressure to get a result against Real at the Ciutat de Valencia on Saturday, but the visitors already run the risk of losing touch with joint leaders Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.

Despite their impressive 4-0 Champions League victory over FC Copenhagen in midweek, Real are smarting from a 1-0 derby loss to Atleti and defeat on the east coast would leave them vulnerable to falling eight points behind in the title race.

Caparros told as.com: "Nowadays, almost every game in football is like a final. That's the case everywhere, not just in Madrid.

The word 'final' is a dramatic one in the world of football but it is just used in the headlines to build a match up.

"It has to be a major group effort. We have to make the most of our strengths and hide our weaknesses. And, by being efficient. Their level of skill is very high."

Levante were hammered 7-0 at Barcelona on the opening day but have looked impressive on the road ever since, taking seven points from three games.

They are unbeaten at home, drawing three games, and Caparros hopes the good luck that has followed the team around the country comes into play at the Ciutat.

He added: "In Pamplona (against Osasuna) and at Rayo Vallecano we had the good luck we needed to get results.

"But against Sevilla, Valladolid and Real Sociedad we had chances to win but didn't manage to.

"We missed a penalty against Valladolid... so it all comes down to the fine details."

Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti, meanwhile, believes Real have every reason to be worried about their trip east after studying recent results.

Los Blancos needed a late winner from Alvaro Morata to take three points home last season and lost there twice without scoring - in the Copa del Rey and subsequently in the league - in 2011.

"Levante are tough at home," the Italian said. "Madrid have struggled against them in previous games. You have to stay focused.

"We have had similar problems against teams like Villarreal and Elche. We need to play a very intense game to win."

Welsh winger Gareth Bale is sidelined for 15 days with a thigh injury while midfielder Xabi Alonso remains unavailable thanks to a broken foot.

Angel Di Maria, who hit a brace against Copenhagen, will replace Bale with Ancelotti adding: "He's doing really well and scored two goals the other day.

"He can play in several positions and is a very important player."

Moroccan winger Nabil El Zhar is missing for Levante and midfielder Pape Diop is unlikely to feature after hurting his knee during training on Thursday.