Real Madrid ended a turbulent week with a much-needed 2-0 LaLiga victory over relegation-threatened Levante at the Santiago Bernabéu on Saturday, as Kylian Mbappé and Raúl Asencio struck in the second half to secure three vital points. The win snapped a brief losing run for Los Blancos and offered a period of respite for the club amid recent turmoil both on and off the pitch.
New manager Álvaro Arbeloa, making only his second match in charge following the departure of longtime coach Xabi Alonso, watched his side respond to boos and tension from home supporters to record a morale-boosting result. The victory also keeps Real Madrid firmly in the LaLiga title race, sitting second with 48 points after 20 matches — just one behind leaders Barcelona, who have a game in hand.
Challenging Week for Real Madrid
Real Madrid entered the match having endured a difficult period. The club had just suffered a 3–2 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final, followed by Alonso’s exit as coach and an unexpected Copa del Rey loss to second-division Albacete in midweek. Many fans voiced their displeasure, with boos greeting the players before kickoff and mixed reactions throughout the first half.
Sections of the crowd also directed chants at club president Florentino Pérez, highlighting the frustration that had built up around the club. Despite the tense atmosphere, Real Madrid’s players showed resilience once the match got underway, particularly after the break when the decisive moments came.
First Half — Battling Against the Bernabéu Breeze
The opening 45 minutes saw Levante hold their ground defensively and Real Madrid struggle to find any real rhythm in attack. The visitors, rooted near the bottom of the table, defended deeply and looked to frustrate the hosts while probing for counter-attacking opportunities. Real created a few half chances, but Levante goalkeeper Mathew Ryan and his defence stood firm, leaving the half goalless.
Real Madrid’s frustration was mirrored in the stands, with fans expressing impatience as the team failed to assert its dominance. The first half statistics underlined the difficulty Madrid had in breaking down a well-organised Levante side, with few clear scoring opportunities created despite heavy possession.
Mbappé Opens the Scoring — From the Penalty Spot
The breakthrough finally came in the 58th minute, when Real Madrid were awarded a penalty after Levante defender Adrián de la Fuente brought down Mbappé inside the box. The ball was adjudged to have struck the French forward’s arm, and after a VAR check, the decision stood.
Mbappé stepped up to confidently convert from the spot, sending Ryan the wrong way. The goal marked another milestone for the France international, extending his tally for the season and underlining his importance to Madrid’s LaLiga campaign.
This penalty strike held extra significance for Mbappé, as it brought him close to another major personal goal-scoring landmark in Spain’s top flight, and highlighted his continued clinical edge even amid team turbulence.
Asencio Doubles Lead With Aerial Threat
Real Madrid didn’t have to wait long for a crucial second goal. Seven minutes after Mbappé’s penalty, Raúl Asencio climbed highest to meet a deep corner from Arda Güler, powering a header past Ryan in the 65th minute. The goal gave Los Blancos a crucial cushion and significantly eased the pressure on Arbeloa’s side.
Asencio’s aerial finish was the product of a well-worked set piece and showcased Madrid’s ability to exploit dead-ball situations — a tactical advantage that helped secure the three points. The defender’s contribution also highlighted the squad’s depth and flexibility, with players stepping up in key moments to deliver when it mattered most.
Tactical Overview — Early Tension, Strong Second Half
Arbeloa’s tactical adjustments at halftime appeared to spark a more confident Real Madrid performance after the break. The introduction of energetic attackers and midfielders helped shift the momentum, adding incisiveness to Madrid’s play while still maintaining defensive balance.
Levante continued to sit back and defend for large periods, offering few genuine threats but frustrating Real Madrid’s attempts to consistently penetrate. However, once Madrid claimed the lead, the narrative shifted — and the home side grew increasingly comfortable controlling the game’s tempo and possession.
While Levante’s tactical discipline restricted Madrid in the first half, the visitors were unable to maintain their defensive block after conceding, leaving more space that the hosts ultimately exploited.
Fans’ Perspective — From Boos to Respite
The Bernabéu crowd’s reaction was one of mixed emotions. Early boos and even white handkerchief displays reflected the unrest among supporters following a string of disappointing results. But as Real Madrid took control in the second half and delivered a victory, the tension eased — albeit not completely.
Criticism had particularly been directed at some key players, including Vinícius Junior, who has struggled for consistency compared to previous seasons, and Jude Bellingham, whose performances have also polarized fans this campaign. Despite the win, some sections of the crowd continued to voice their discontent at full-time — a reminder of the high expectations and pressure at a club of Real Madrid’s stature.
League Implications — Staying in the Title Hunt
The win over Levante keeps Real Madrid second in LaLiga, with 48 points from 20 matches, one behind Barcelona. With the Catalan leaders holding a game in hand, every match represents an opportunity for Madrid to cut the gap or potentially overtake their rivals.
For a club of Real Madrid’s ambitions, consistency remains crucial. This victory not only provided three points but also a psychological lift after a challenging week. Maintaining momentum will be essential as the season progresses, particularly in a tight title race where fine margins could decide the destination of the LaLiga trophy.
Player Highlights — Consistency and Impact
Mbappé’s decisive penalty highlighted his goal-scoring prowess and ability to influence big matches even when play is cagey. With a growing tally of goals this season, he remains a central figure in Madrid’s hopes of securing silverware.
Asencio’s goal was equally valuable, reflecting the team’s collective effort and effectiveness from set pieces. The defender’s contribution at both ends of the pitch has been noted by pundits as a sign of his growing role under Arbeloa.
Other squad members like Güler and substitute Franco Mastantuono also made positive contributions, adding energy and creativity in the second half. Levante’s defenders had kept Real at bay for much of the first period, but Madrid’s tactical switch and persistence delivered the breakthrough after halftime.
What’s Next for Madrid
With this victory behind them, Real Madrid will aim to build on this performance and sustain their title challenge in LaLiga. Upcoming fixtures represent key opportunities to either close the gap on leaders Barcelona or extend pressure if results go their way.
For Arbeloa, the win is an early confidence booster as he seeks to steady the ship and imprint his tactical ideas on the squad. Consistent performances and a united dressing room will be vital in navigating the remainder of the campaign — both domestically and in other competitions.
Conclusion
Real Madrid’s 2–0 win over Levante saw Kylian Mbappé step up from the penalty spot and Raúl Asencio head home a second, calming the storm that had built around the club during a difficult week. The victory not only provided necessary league points but also delivered a psychological lift for the players, coaching staff and supporters as Los Blancos continue their pursuit of LaLiga glory.
