February 19, Bernabéu Stadium.
La Liga's 24th round saw Real Madrid host Levante.
With the Champions League Round of 16 knockout stage taking place midweek, Benitez rotated his lineup for this match. Yang Yang, Ibrahimovic, and Di Maria started up front, while Kaka and Xabi Alonso were rested in midfield, alongside the Spanish trio of David Silva, Granero, and Javier Martínez.
With Casillas suspended after receiving a red card, young Adán was handed his first starting opportunity.
The match had barely begun when Real Madrid launched wave after wave of attacks. However, Levante had once suffered an embarrassing 0–8 defeat to Real Madrid at Bernabéu Stadium in the Copa del Rey, so they adopted an even more disciplined defensive strategy for this match.
Even so, Real Madrid still took control of the game with ease.
In the second minute, Yang Yang combined with Marcelo on the left. Marcelo's low cross was cleared, but Yang Yang reached the loose ball and sent a brilliant pass into the box. Ibrahimovic missed Yang Yang's delivery.
Just four minutes later, Yang Yang received a pass from Marcelo on the left. Facing a defender, he made a deft feint, cut inside, and suddenly switched play with a long pass, sending the ball accurately to the right flank.
Di Maria brought the ball down comfortably and accelerated at once. He broke through between two Levante defenders, carried the ball into the box, and beautifully shook off Javier Torres before crossing. Goalkeeper Munuua came out to intercept but failed. Behind him, Ibrahimovic easily tapped the ball into the empty net. One-nil.
The Argentine winger's magnificent assist, which had taken him past three players, earned a thunderous ovation. Even Yang Yang tightly embraced Di Maria on the touchline after Ibrahimovic scored, celebrating the winger's brilliant performance with him.