Real Madrid secured a crucial 2-0 victory over Levante in La Liga on Saturday, marking new coach Álvaro Arbeloa’s first win after a turbulent week for the club. Goals from Kylian Mbappé and Raúl Asencio at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium eased some pressure following recent defeats, though discontent among Real Madrid fans was palpable. The win narrows the gap to league leaders Barcelona to just one point.
The match took place in Madrid, Spain, on January 17, 2026. It followed a Spanish Super Cup final loss to Barcelona and a shocking Copa del Rey exit against Albacete, leading to the departure of former manager Xabi Alonso. The atmosphere at the Bernabéu was tense, with supporters voicing their frustration before and during the game.
Real Madrid Overcomes Fan Discontent with La Liga Win
The victory against Levante was particularly significant given the circumstances. Arbeloa, appointed mid-week, faced immediate pressure to deliver a positive result. However, the first half saw a lack of energy from the home side, prompting visible anger from the stands. Fans directed their ire towards key players like Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham.
The second half brought improvement, with Mbappé breaking the deadlock. Asencio then added a second goal, providing relief for the team and its new manager. Asencio emphasized the team’s desire to respond positively to the recent setbacks, stating they felt responsible for the disappointing results and wanted to improve.
A Week of Turmoil for Los Blancos
The past week has been exceptionally challenging for Real Madrid. The loss to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final was a blow to their early-season ambitions. This was swiftly followed by Alonso’s unexpected resignation, reportedly due to disagreements over club strategy, according to multiple sports outlets.
The Copa del Rey defeat to Albacete, a second-division side, proved to be the final straw for many fans. Chants calling for president Florentino Pérez to resign were heard throughout the stadium, highlighting the depth of the dissatisfaction. This unrest underscores the high expectations at one of the world’s most prestigious football clubs.
Meanwhile, Mbappé’s continued recovery from a knee sprain remains a key storyline. He is expected to be available for the upcoming Champions League match against Monaco, but his fitness will be closely monitored. His presence is vital to Real Madrid’s attacking options, and his return to full form is crucial for their European campaign.
Additionally, the performance of Bellingham, a summer signing, has come under scrutiny. While he remains a key player, some observers have noted a dip in his recent form. The team’s overall performance has been inconsistent, raising questions about their ability to challenge for major honors this season.
Barcelona’s upcoming match against Real Sociedad on Sunday will be closely watched. A Barcelona win would extend their lead at the top of the table, putting further pressure on Real Madrid. The title race is shaping up to be a closely contested affair, with both teams vying for supremacy in Spanish football.
Looking ahead, Real Madrid will focus on preparing for their Champions League clash with Monaco. Arbeloa will be looking to solidify his tactical approach and build team morale. The club’s long-term strategy and potential transfer activity will also be subjects of intense speculation in the coming weeks, as they attempt to navigate this period of transition and regain their competitive edge.