Jose Luis Morales put Levante ahead in the seventh minute after a defensive slip from Raphael Varane while Roger Marti doubled the lead in the 13th from the penalty spot after a handball by Varane, with the spot-kick awarded after consultation with the video assistant referee (VAR).

Real Madrid created a number of chances down the other end but hit the woodwork three times and had a strike by Marco Asensio ruled out by VAR for offside and early in the second half they broke an unwanted club record of 464 minutes without scoring.

Marcelo finally snapped their long spell without a goal by smashing into the net midway through the second half, scoring the club's first goal in 482 minutes.

But despite creating a glut of further chances Real slumped to a third straight loss in all competitions to pile the pressure on under-fire Lopetegui.

"We are feeling very bad, we 100 percent had to win this game and we kept trying until the end but it wasn't meant to be," said Real midfielder Dani Ceballos, who also gave his backing to Lopetegui.

"I believe in the coach, although the decision isn't mine. I don't think his job is in danger, we are right behind him."

Real Madrid, who were booed by their fans, are fifth in the La Liga standings, three points behind leaders Alaves.

Champions Barcelona play at home to second-placed Sevilla later on Saturday.

Real were in dire need of a win after losing to CSKA Moscow and Alaves in their last two games and they were boosted by the return of influential figures Isco and Marcelo although Gareth Bale could only start on the bench after recovering from injury.

Real Madrid conceded the first goal for the seventh time in 11 games in all competitions when Varane failed to clear the most routine of through passes and forward Morales stole the loose ball and rounded goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to score.

REUTERS