Real Madrid secured a 2‑0 victory over Levante at the Santiago Bernabéu, extending their winning streak to four games, posting their ninth clean sheet of the season, and narrowing the La Liga gap with leaders Barcelona to just one point.
Match Summary
Both sides started with their expected line‑ups. Real Madrid continued with Álvaro Arbeloa’s 4‑3‑5 system, while Levante deployed a defensive 4‑2‑3‑1. The first half ended 0‑0 despite several half‑chances, and the breakthrough came early in the second half.
Key Moments
- 54th minute – Mbappé opens scoring: Vinícius Júnior’s cut‑inside pass found Kylian Mbappé, whose calm finish into the bottom corner gave Los Blancos the lead.
- 66th minute – Asencio’s header doubles the lead: A Dani Carvajal corner flicked by Éder Militao reached Raul Asencio, whose powerful header made it 2‑0.
- 78th minute – Levante’s missed opportunity: Jose Luis Morales struck a low shot that skidded wide, ending the visitors’ hopes of a comeback.
Tactical Analysis
Arbeloa’s blend of experience and youth paid dividends. Veteran Luka Modrić controlled the midfield tempo, while Jude Bellingham added relentless box‑to‑box energy. The decision to start the newly‑signed Mbappé demonstrated confidence in his quick adaptation, and academy graduate Asencio’s involvement highlighted Real’s commitment to homegrown talent.
Title Race Implications
The win moved Real Madrid to 46 points, just one point behind Barcelona. Barcelona now faces Athletic Bilbao and must secure a win to retain the lead. Madrid’s defensive stability, anchored by Thibaut Courtois’s ninth clean sheet, suggests they can maintain pressure despite upcoming fixture congestion.
Looking Ahead
Real Madrid travel to Sevilla on 24 January. A victory there would propel them to the top of La Liga for the first time this season. Levante must regroup as they continue battling relegation in the lower half of the table.
