Real Madrid win under Arbeloa and restore confidence
Real Madrid win under Arbeloa marked a crucial turning point on Saturday night, as Los Blancos defeated Levante 2-0 in Round 19 of La Liga. Goals from Kylian Mbappé and Raúl Asensio in the second half secured the club’s first victory under new head coach Álvaro Arbeloa, easing pressure after a turbulent spell.
The win helped Real Madrid move up to 48 points, keeping them in second place and reducing the gap to league leaders Barcelona to just one point. Levante, meanwhile, remain in deep trouble near the bottom of the table with only 14 points.
Slow start raises early concerns
Real Madrid struggled badly in the opening stages and nearly conceded inside the first minute when Carl Eta-Eong missed a golden opportunity for Levante. The hosts looked disjointed in attack, with Mbappé, Camavinga, and Tchouaméni unable to create clear chances.
Even more worrying was the absence of influence from Jude Bellingham and Vinícius Júnior, as Levante defended compactly and threatened on the counter.
Momentum shifts before halftime
The rhythm of the match improved in the final 15 minutes of the first half. Mbappé fired narrowly wide, while Levante goalkeeper Mathew Ryan produced an excellent save to deny Gonzalo García’s header.
At the other end, Thibaut Courtois was called into action as Pablo Martínez and Karim Tunde tested Madrid’s defense, but the first half ended scoreless.
Second-half reaction sparks breakthrough
Real Madrid returned with renewed intensity after the break, helped by the introduction of Arda Güler, whose creativity immediately lifted the team. Bellingham and Tchouaméni both went close before Mbappé was brought down inside the box.
The French star calmly converted the resulting penalty in the 58th minute, giving Madrid the lead and settling the nerves inside the stadium.
Just seven minutes later, Raúl Asensio rose highest to head home a corner, doubling the advantage and effectively ending Levante’s resistance.
White dominance seals the win
Madrid completely took control after the second goal. Ryan denied Mbappé, Güler, and Bellingham, while substitute Franco Mastantuono struck the crossbar in the 76th minute before firing another effort wide.
Levante offered little response as Madrid comfortably saw out the match.
A special night for Arbeloa
This victory marked Real Madrid’s first win under Arbeloa, coming on the coach’s 43rd birthday, and provided a much-needed morale boost following elimination from the Copa del Rey and Super Cup defeat to Barcelona.
Arbeloa will hope this result builds momentum ahead of key fixtures against Monaco and Villarreal.
