Real Madrid Claims Vital 2-0 Win Against Levante in La Liga
Real Madrid delivered a much-needed 2-0 victory over Levante at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday, January 17. This match marked the 20th round of La Liga action. Second-half goals from Kylian Mbappe and Raul Asencio handed new coach Alvaro Arbeloa his first league win. The result lifted Los Blancos to within one point of leaders Barcelona.
First Half Dominance Without Goals
Real Madrid controlled possession from the opening whistle. They enjoyed around 68% of the ball throughout the first half. Vinicius Junior drew early fouls, including one from Unai Vencedor in the 17th minute that led to a free kick. Despite consistent pressure, the first half ended without any goals.
Arda Guler tested Levante goalkeeper Mathew Ryan with several shots. Real Madrid held firm against occasional counter-attacks from Levante. The visitors, battling near the bottom of the table, offered little threat but stayed compact defensively.
Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham both started the match. This signaled Arbeloa's intent to rely on experienced players after a challenging week for the club.
Mbappe Breaks the Deadlock from the Penalty Spot
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 58th minute. Kylian Mbappe drew a foul from Adrian de la Fuente inside the penalty area, earning a spot kick. The French superstar calmly converted the penalty, sending Ryan the wrong way.
This goal added to Mbappe's tally for the season, extending his lead as La Liga's top scorer. His clinical finish highlighted his excellent current form. Mbappe continues to reach milestones quickly in the Spanish league.
Asencio Heads Home to Seal the Victory
Just seven minutes later, Raul Asencio made it 2-0. Arda Guler delivered a precise corner kick that found the centre-back in the box. Asencio rose highest to power a header past Ryan in the 65th minute.
Substitutes like Guler added fresh energy to the Madrid attack. Levante's efforts faded as the match progressed. Real Madrid maintained a clean sheet, which boosted team confidence significantly.
Standout Performers and Title Implications
Kylian Mbappe shone brightly with his penalty goal and constant attacking threat. Raul Asencio delivered a strong performance both defensively and offensively. Arda Guler's set-piece delivery proved crucial for the second goal.
Vinicius Junior created several chances despite facing some scrutiny from fans. The result leaves Real Madrid with 48 points from 20 games. This puts pressure on Barcelona, who have one game in hand.
Levante remain in 19th position with just 14 points. They face serious relegation worries as the season progresses. Arbeloa's debut league match delivered three valuable points amid recent turbulence.
The new coach noted positive post-match vibes, emphasizing that the focus should be on enjoyment and dominance. This victory signals a potential turnaround for Real Madrid in the 2025-26 La Liga season.
