Real Madrid brought a difficult week to a close with a crucial 2-0 victory over struggling Levante at the Santiago Bernabéu on Saturday. Second-half goals from star forward Kylian Mbappé and Raúl Asencio secured the three points for new head coach Álvaro Arbeloa.
A Much-Needed Response After Turbulent Days
The match followed a bruising period for the club, which included a painful 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Supercopa de España final last Sunday. The loss was compounded by the departure of manager Xabi Alonso on Monday and a shocking 3-2 Copa del Rey exit to second-division side Albacete on Wednesday.
This context led to a tense atmosphere at the Bernabéu, with sections of the home crowd booing the players at kick-off and directing chants at club president Florentino Pérez. Real looked flat in the first half, struggling to break down a Levante side fighting to avoid relegation.
Mbappé Breaks the Deadlock from the Spot
The pressure finally eased in the 58th minute. A foul by Levante's Dela on Kylian Mbappé inside the penalty area gave the French international the chance to open the scoring from the spot, which he calmly took. The goal extended his tally to 19 league goals this season, keeping him at the top of the scoring charts.
Just seven minutes later, Real doubled their advantage. Asencio rose highest to meet a corner from Arda Güler, powering a header into the net to give Arbeloa's side a decisive cushion. The goal settled the nerves around the stadium and allowed Madrid to see out the game comfortably.
League Standings and Other News
The result ends Real Madrid's brief two-match losing run and moves them to 48 points from 20 matches in La Liga. They remain in second place, one point behind leaders Barcelona, who have a game in hand. Levante stay 19th with just 14 points.
In other news from the article, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick addressed the future of on-loan Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford. While praising Rashford's performances, Flick stated that a decision on making the move permanent has not yet been taken and will be handled by sporting director Deco.
The weekend's football action also features key fixtures across Europe's top leagues, including Bayern Munich's trip to RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga and a top-of-the-table clash in Ligue 1 as Lens host Auxerre.
