The game proved challenging for Levante, who faced a solid Real Madrid side and ended up losing 2-0 in the clash held at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Real Madrid took the lead with Kylian Mbappé converting a penalty in the 57th minute. Raúl Asencio then doubled the advantage for the hosts with a goal just seven minutes later.
Franco Mastantuono had a chance to narrow the gap, but his shot hit the post in the 75th minute, denying him a goal.
Jude Bellingham was the standout player of the match, showcasing an impressive performance with 77 accurate passes, recovering 4 balls, and taking 5 shots at goal.
Defender Raúl Asencio also made his mark by scoring one goal and regaining possession of the ball 5 times, proving essential to Real Madrid’s defensive strategy.
Manager Álvaro Árbeloa set up his team in a 4-3-3 formation featuring Thibaut Courtois in goal; Federico Valverde, Raúl Asencio, Dean Huijsen, and Álvaro Carreras in defense; Eduardo Camavinga, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Jude Bellingham in midfield; and a front three of Gonzalo García, Kylian Mbappé, and Vinicius Júnior.
On the other hand, Levante, managed by Luís Castro, opted for a 4-5-1 setup with Mathew Ryan in goal; Jeremy Toljan, Adrián de la Fuente, Alan Matturro, and Manu Sánchez on defense; Unai Vencedor, Pablo Martínez, Kareem Tunde, Carlos Álvarez, and Iván Romero in midfield; and Etta Eyong leading the attack.
The officiating duties were handled by Miguel Sesma Espinosa.
In their next fixtures, Real Madrid will face Villarreal away, while Levante will host Elche.
Following this outcome, Real Madrid now boasts 48 points and currently holds second place in the standings. Meanwhile, Levante sits in 19th place with just 14 points.
Substitutions for Real Madrid
45’ 2T – Gonzalo García replaced by Franco Mastantuono and Eduardo Camavinga substituted for Arda Güler.
61’ 2T – Dean Huijsen was replaced by Dani Ceballos.
89’ 2T – Raúl Asencio was substituted out for David Alaba.
Booked Players for Real Madrid:
31’ 1T Aurélien Tchouaméni (Unsporting behavior) and 43’ 1T Gonzalo García (Unsporting behavior).
Substitutions for Levante
65’ 2T – Unai Vencedor out for Ugo Raghouber and Etta Eyong replaced by Iker Losada.
81’ 2T – Carlos Álvarez substituted for Paco Cortés.
82’ 2T – Kareem Tunde left the field for Carlos Espí and Iván Romero was replaced by Jon Olasagasti.
Booked Players for Levante:
16’ 1T Unai Vencedor (Unsporting behavior).