Real Madrid broke their winless streak with a 2‑0 victory over Levante at Santiago Bernabéu on 17 January 2026, delivering new manager Javier Arbolea his first La Liga triumph of the 2025/26 campaign. Benzema’s long‑range strike and Modrić’s assist to Eder Molina sealed the win, confirming the side’s renewed attacking potency.
Match Overview
The game kicked off at 16:00 local time and featured a cautious first half, with both teams probing for rhythm. Real dominated midfield possession while Levante relied on quick counter‑attacks down the right flank. Neither side created clear chances, and the score remained 0‑0 at halftime.
Key Moments
58th minute – Benzema’s strike: After a swift passing sequence in the central zone, Karim Benzema received the ball from Toni Kroos, unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box, and beat Levante goalkeeper Juan Martinez.
63rd minute – Modrić to Molina: A rapid left‑side combination saw Luka Modrić thread a one‑two pass to Eder Molina, who evaded a defender and slotted the ball home, giving Real a 2‑0 lead.
Statistics Snapshot
- Possession: Real Madrid 61% – Levante 39%
- Shots (on target): Real 19 (6) – Levante 9 (4)
- Yellow cards: Real 1 (Toni Kroos) – Levante 2 (Juan Martinez, Julian Gomez)
Tactical Shift Behind the Victory
Arbolea adjusted his approach after the first half, moving the side to a high‑pressing game that forced Levante into defensive errors. A crucial lineup change—substituting Marco Asensio for Modrić in midfield—added freshness and improved control of the central area.
League Impact
The win lifted Real Madrid to fourth place, two points clear of Valencia. The result narrows the gap to league leaders Barcelona, who sit five points ahead. Levante remains in 15th place, four points above the relegation zone, with a long season still ahead.
Looking Ahead
Real Madrid’s next challenge is against Sevilla, where they aim to solidify their defense after recent lapses. Coach Arbolea has hinted at a balanced 4‑3‑5 formation, with crosses, Benzema and a fit‑again Kylian Mbappé forming the attacking trio.
Final Takeaway
The 2‑0 triumph over Levante provides a much‑needed boost for Real Madrid and validates Arbolea’s tactical direction. Benzema’s and Molina’s goals showcase the team’s ability to produce decisive, high‑quality strikes, a promising sign for the upcoming fixtures and the race for Champions League qualification.
