On Saturday, January 17, 2026, Real Madrid revived their La Liga campaign at the Santiago Bernabéu, defeating Levante 2‑0 with goals from Kylian Mbappé and Essien within three minutes. The win, coming in the 20th round, trims the gap to league leaders Barcelona to a single point and restores momentum after a week of setbacks.
Match Overview
Real Madrid controlled possession early, holding 67% of ball possession in the first half. The breakthrough came in the 58th minute when Mbappé received the ball near the edge of the penalty area, dribbled past two defenders and set up a low‑driven shot that beat Levante goalkeeper Carlos Puente. Just three minutes later, Essien capitalized on a quick transition, striking from 22 metres to double Madrid’s lead.
Key Moments
- 58′ – Goal: Mbappé’s solo run culminates in a precise finish.
- 61′ – Goal: Essien scores from distance, sealing the victory.
- Ball possession: Madrid enjoyed a 67% share in the first half, dictating the tempo.
Real Madrid’s Situation Before the Match
Prior to facing Levante, Real Madrid sat second in the league table with 45 points, just one point behind Barcelona. The team boasted a +24 goal difference, averaging 2.16 goals per game while conceding only 0.89 per match.
League Standings
- Barcelona – 46 points, +25 goal difference.
- Real Madrid – 45 points, +24 goal difference.
- Levante – 10th place, struggling with injuries to key players.
Tactical Impact of the Victory
Coach Alberto Arbeláez introduced a new 3‑5‑2 formation, replacing the traditional 4‑3‑3. The shift provided additional midfield stability and allowed Mbappé to operate more freely in advanced positions, while Essien’s versatility enabled seamless transitions between attack and defense.
Formation Change
- Previous system: 4‑3‑3, emphasizing wide play.
- New system: 3‑5‑2, featuring wing‑backs and a dual‑striker setup.
- Result: Enhanced ball retention and quicker counter‑attacks.
Future Outlook
With the win, Real Madrid is now just one point behind Barcelona and has three matches left before their head‑to‑head clash. Maintaining a high goal‑scoring rate and solid defensive organization will be crucial to overtake the league leaders.
Real Madrid’s Path to the Title
- Continue leveraging Mbappé’s pace and finishing ability.
- Utilize Essien’s midfield dynamism to control games.
- Preserve defensive solidity under the 3‑5‑2 system.
Levante’s Challenges
- Recover from injuries to key players, including captain Martín Lucchi.
- Improve defensive cohesion to limit high‑pressing opponents.
- Seek consistency in the remaining fixtures to climb the table.
