Real Madrid beat Levante 2-0 for their first win under Alvaro Arbeloa, as Mbappe and Asencio scored amid fan protests at the Bernabeu.
Real Madrid earned their first victory under Alvaro Arbeloa with a 2-0 La Liga win over Levante. The result moved them to within one point of leaders Barcelona who play Real Sociedad tomorrow. It also ended a turbulent week marked by heavy criticism and fan unrest. Second half goals from Kylian Mbappe and Raul Asencio proved decisive.
The Santiago Bernabeu staged protests before kickoff. Supporters waved white handkerchiefs and aimed whistles at several players. Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior and Federico Valverde were targeted. Club president Florentino Perez was also booed.
Madrid struggled to settle in the opening half. The atmosphere remained tense as misplaced passes drew whistles. Levante defended deep and limited space between the lines. Real managed just one shot on target before the break.
Mbappe dragged a volley wide after a rare opening. At the other end, Pablo Martinez struck the side netting from a free kick. The hosts lacked rhythm and urgency. Arbeloa responded with changes at half time.
Arda Guler and Franco Mastantuono were introduced to add creativity. Madrid began to control possession higher up the pitch. The tempo increased and Levante were pinned back. Pressure finally told in the 58th minute.
Mbappe won and converted a penalty after being fouled by Adrian de la Fuente. The forward sent Mathew Ryan the wrong way. It was his 19th league goal of the season. The strike eased tension inside the stadium.
Madrid doubled their lead seven minutes later. Raul Asencio rose highest to meet Guler’s corner. His header left Ryan with no chance. It was Asencio’s second goal in as many home games.
Madrid pushed for a third goal. Mbappe and Bellingham both forced saves. Mastantuono hit the crossbar late on. Levante offered little response as the hosts closed out the game calmly.
Mbappe again led by example when it mattered most. He reached 50 La Liga goals in just 53 matches. Only Cristiano Ronaldo reached that mark faster this century. Guler’s influence off the bench changed the flow.
Defensively, Madrid were rarely threatened. Thibaut Courtois had little to do. The team finished with 26 shots and 2.61 expected goals. They remain perfect this season when scoring first.
Despite the win, fan protests continued throughout the match. Vinicius was booed whenever he touched the ball. Bellingham also faced heavy criticism. Arbeloa defended his players after full time.
The coach said fans have the right to express anger. He admitted the week had been difficult. Arbeloa stressed respect for the Bernabeu’s high standards. He added that pressure should motivate the squad.
Real return to European action on Tuesday. They host Monaco in the Champions League. Domestically, they await Barcelona’s result against Real Sociedad. A win there could reopen the title gap.
For Arbeloa, the focus is stability. This victory offers breathing room. Confidence and cohesion remain works in progress. Results now carry extra importance.
