Real Madrid responded to midweek disappointment by returning to winning ways in LaLiga, defeating Levante 2–0 at the Santiago Bernabéu to hand Álvaro Arbeloa his first league victory in charge.
The match kicked off in a tense atmosphere following Madrid’s shock Copa del Rey exit, with whistles greeting the hosts early on. Levante nearly capitalised inside the opening minute when Karl Etta Eyong broke through, but his effort drifted wide. The nervy mood continued as chances were scarce, with deflected attempts and long-range shots failing to trouble either goalkeeper in a flat first half.
Madrid gradually found rhythm but struggled to create clear openings before the break. Gonzalo García’s header forced the first save of the match, while Levante remained a threat from set pieces, asking questions without seriously testing Thibaut Courtois.
Arbeloa’s response came at halftime with a double substitution that injected urgency, particularly through Arda Güler. The Turkish youngster immediately influenced proceedings, combining well with Kylian Mbappé before winning a penalty moments later. Mbappé stepped up and calmly converted to break the deadlock.
🎭🙌 @RaulAsencio_17 pic.twitter.com/bKOD768PlX
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) January 17, 2026
Momentum swung decisively in Madrid’s favour and the lead was doubled just seven minutes later. Güler delivered a precise corner which Raúl Asencio met with a powerful header into the top corner, igniting celebrations among the home supporters.
Levante attempted to respond but found Madrid increasingly dominant. Chances followed for Güler, Jude Bellingham and Franco Mastantuono, with the crossbar denying a spectacular third, yet the hosts never looked in danger as they comfortably saw out the contest.
The win lifts Real Madrid to within a point of leaders Barcelona, pending their weekend fixture, and provides a timely boost after recent setbacks. For Levante, the defeat ends a four-match unbeaten run and leaves them rooted in 19th place, still searching for consistency near the foot of the table.
