Real Madrid recovered from midweek woes to claim a 2-0 victory over Levante in LaLiga’s early kickoff at the Estadio Bernabéu, marking their third consecutive win in the fixture.
The home side faced a tense reception, with whistles greeting both the players and former star Álvaro Arbeloa following their humbling Copa del Rey exit at the hands of Albacete.
Levante nearly capitalized early, as Karl Etta Eyong’s first-minute effort sailed wide, setting the tone for a scrappy opening half.
Kylian Mbappé saw a shot deflected behind, while Eduardo Camavinga’s effort drifted off-target. Levante’s Pablo Martínez had a free-kick blocked by Federico Valverde and failed to test Thibaut Courtois with a follow-up. Aurelien Tchouameni’s long-range effort was also blocked, leaving the first half largely uneventful, with only sporadic chances to excite the crowd.
Raul Asencio set up Mbappé for a potential breakthrough around the 30th minute, but the French forward’s attempt went wide.
Gonzalo García eventually registered Levante’s first shot on target with a routine header in the 37th minute, but Real’s defense held firm, denying further danger before halftime.
Real Madrid came out stronger after the break, making a double substitution that immediately paid dividends.
Arda Guler linked up with Mbappé to win a penalty, which the Frenchman coolly converted to break the deadlock. Just seven minutes later, Guler swung in a precise corner for Asencio, who powered a header into the top corner to double the advantage.
Levante struggled to respond as Guler continued to influence the game, though his own ambitious strike was saved. Ivan Romero’s effort flew over the bar as the visitors searched in vain for a comeback.
Franco Mastantuono came close to a spectacular goal, only to be denied by the crossbar, and Jude Bellingham’s header was also kept out, leaving Levante frustrated.
Real Madrid’s victory not only ended a three-match winless streak but also lifted their spirits after a disappointing week.
The result moves them just a point behind Barcelona, ahead of the Catalans’ Sunday clash with Real Sociedad, while Levante suffered their first defeat in four games, remaining 19th in the standings.
