VALENCIA, Sep 10 (SW) - After a disappointing home draw to start the season, Real Madrid rebounded nicely with a 4-1 victory over Levante in La Liga on Sunday, Ruud van Nistelrooy notching his first three goals for the club.

Van Nistelrooy notched his first career Madrid goal in the 16th minute with a well-placed shot from inside the area, silencing the home supporters in Valencia.

It got worse for Levante 10 minutes later when Antonio Cassano opened his own Madrid account with a shot inside the post after he controlled a long ball that hit him in the face in the process.

Levante did pull a goal back in the 36th minute as Fálix Dja Ettien took a ball down nicely off his chest and beat Iker Casillas. However, it would not improve for the home side after that.

Van Nistelrooy bagged his second goal of the game on 56 minutes after David Beckham flicked a header in his direction, and he should have had a treble from the spot in the 85th minute after he was brought down by Diego Camacho, who was sent off.

His effort, though, was nicely saved by Levante goalkeeper Pablo Cavallero, although the Dutchman did eventually complete his hat-trick in the last minute after a fine set-up by Cicinho.