Real Madrid secured a convincing 3-0 victory over newly‑promoted Levante at the Santiago Bernabéu on January 17, 2026, in La Liga’s 20th round. The win reinforced Madrid’s second‑place standing, validated pre‑match betting odds for a home win and over 2.5 goals, and highlighted the team’s renewed attacking rhythm after a recent cup setback.
Match Overview and Key Stats
Madrid dominated from kickoff, with goals from Benzema, Vinícius Júnior, and Bardi. The match produced three total goals, confirming the over 2.5 goals prediction, while Levante failed to score, rendering the “both teams to score” market irrelevant. Madrid earned seven corners compared to Levante’s two, emphasizing their offensive pressure.
Lineups and Tactical Adjustments
Head coach Carlo Ancelotti responded to a previous cup loss by reshuffling the starting eleven. The lineup featured:
- Bellingham – central midfield playmaker providing creative drive.
- Courtois – goalkeeper delivering multiple crucial saves for a clean sheet.
- Chouamené – defensive midfielder adding depth and coverage.
- Carvajal – left‑back balancing attack and defense.
The revamped formation paid off early; Vinícius Júnior netted after a precise through‑ball from Benzema in the 15th minute. Levante’s defense struggled against high‑pressing and rapid wing play, leading to a second goal from a left‑wing cross converted by Alba. A late tactical shift to a five‑defender line could not reverse the deficit.
Broadcast and Viewing Options
Fans in Taiwan streamed the match live on DAZN TW in HD, with mobile, tablet, and desktop support. The platform’s replay feature allowed viewers to catch missed moments instantly, and a subscription unlocks the entire La Liga season.
Season Context and Table Impact
After 20 rounds, Real Madrid sits second with 46 points (14 wins, 4 draws, 2 losses), just two points behind leaders Barcelona. The win restored confidence after a surprising cup defeat to a lower‑division side. Levante, with 27 points from 7 wins, 6 draws, 13 losses, remains near the relegation zone, averaging 1.8 goals conceded per game.
Betting Insights and Future Outlook
Key takeaways for bettors:
- Over 2.5 goals markets remain reliable when Madrid faces defensively vulnerable teams.
- Madrid – 1 goal handicap offers a consistent return against lower‑ranked opponents.
- Both‑Teams‑To‑Score bets should be approached cautiously unless the opposition shows strong attacking form.
Looking ahead, Madrid aims to maintain momentum in the league while staying unbeaten in the Champions League group stage. A continued string of victories could position them to challenge for the title in the final ten rounds.
