Real Madrid slipped to their third La Liga defeat of the season on Saturday after they were beaten 2-1 by Levante at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The visitors stunned the hosts by taking the lead after just six minutes. Raphael Varane misjudged Sergio Postigo's ball upfield for Jose Luis Morales, and the striker flicked the ball around goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois before finding the back of the net.

Roger Marti doubled Levante's lead seven minutes later from the penalty spot. Again, Varane was culpable as he was penalised for handball after a VAR review.

Marcelo pulled one back in the second half to give Madrid hope of a comeback. Substitute Karim Benzema was then denied an equaliser by the woodwork, and Levante took all three points to increase the pressure on manager Julen Lopetegui.

Real Madrid A Complete Mess

Lopetegui's side made history during Saturday's defeat but for all the wrong reasons, as the team marked their longest-ever scoring drought:

The drought was eventually ended by Marcelo, who hooked home from inside the box after good work from substitutes Benzema and Gareth Bale.

However, the lack of goals has clearly affected the team's confidence and belief. Los Blancos misplaced passes, lacked cohesion and were deservedly beaten.

Defensively they were also weak, with Varane guilty of poor errors for both goals. Sergio Ramos also had a tough afternoon and struggled against the pace of Morales.

It's now a second La Liga defeat in a row for Real Madrid, who have taken just one point from the last 12 available. 

El Clasico a Must-win for Lopetegui After Shambolic Display

The pressure is on Lopetegui after another defeat, another poor display and a crucial match against bitter rivals Barcelona up next in La Liga.

The former Spain coach has only been in the role a matter of months, but Real Madrid are not known for their patience with managers.

Lopetegui appears to be feeling the pressure:

The team's poor form and lack of goals means that Real Madrid are struggling following the departures of Zinedine Zidane and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Defeat at the Camp Nou is likely to spell the end of Lopetegui's reign, although he could even find himself out of a job before then.

Spanish football journalist David Cartlidge said they should stick with him for now:

Real Madrid face Czech side Viktoria Plzen in the Champions League before their trip to Barcelona. A win would give them some much-needed confidence ahead of their meeting with the Spanish champions.

VAR Evening the Playing Field for Smaller Clubs in La Liga

VAR played a big role in Saturday's match. Levante's second goal came from the penalty spot after the referee had initially awarded a free-kick on the outside of the box.

A quick check showed the offence had actually occurred inside the area and a penalty was given, from which Marti duly doubled the visitors' lead.

Dermot Corrigan at ESPN FC said the technology is helping La Liga:

Real Madrid then thought they had pulled a goal back when Marco Asensio headed home. The goal was initially given, but after a VAR check, it was ruled out for offside.

Football writer Simon Harrison offered his view:

The outcome of this match could have been different without the aid of VAR, and Real Madrid may even have avoided defeat. 

What's Next?

Real Madrid welcome Viktoria Plzen to the Bernabeu in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday. Levante are back in action on Saturday when they face a home La Liga fixture against Leganes.