Real Madrid Vs Levante: Live Score, Preview, Lineup, Telecast Details
| Date | Saturday, January 17, 2026 |
| Time | 06:30 PM IST |
| Venue | Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid |
| Competition | La Liga |
🏟️ High Tension at the Bernabéu: Arbeloa's League Debut
Real Madrid returns to La Liga action this Saturday facing a critical juncture after a turbulent start to 2026. Following the departure of Xabi Alonso by "mutual consent" after a Supercopa final defeat, Álvaro Arbeloa has taken the reins. His tenure began with a shocking Copa del Rey elimination against Segunda Division side Albacete, meaning the atmosphere at the Bernabéu will be highly expectant as the team looks to close the four-point gap on leaders Barcelona.
Levante enters the match in 19th place but has shown signs of resilience under new Portuguese coach Luis Castro, collecting five points from their last three matches. While the Granotes have historically struggled in this fixture, they are currently on a three-game unbeaten run in the league and will look to exploit any defensive vulnerabilities in a Real Madrid side missing several key starters.
- Event: La Liga Matchweek 20
- Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026
- Time: 06:30 PM IST (01:00 PM GMT)
- Venue: Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
- Context: A must-win game for Real Madrid to keep pace in the title race and restore confidence.
📊 Team Analysis & Form
Real Madrid (Coach: Álvaro Arbeloa, Form: W W W L L)
Real Madrid's perfect home league record this season—eight wins from nine matches—is their greatest asset heading into this clash. However, back-to-back losses in the Supercopa and Copa del Rey have put the squad under pressure. Arbeloa is expected to recall key stars Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and Rodrygo to the starting lineup after resting them during the midweek cup disappointment.
Levante (Coach: Luis Castro, Form: L L D W D)
Levante has found stability since Luis Castro’s appointment in late December, recording a draw with Espanyol and a convincing 3-0 win over Sevilla recently. Despite their low league position, they have shown tactical discipline and have avoided defeat in their last three league outings. Their main challenge will be maintaining that defensive resolve against a high-powered Madrid attack that averages over 2 goals per game.
⭐ Key Players
- Real Madrid: Kylian Mbappé (Forward) - The league's top threat with 18 goals in 18 appearances; he is expected to lead the line with full force.
- Real Madrid: Jude Bellingham (Midfielder) - Rested during the midweek cup loss, his creativity and box-to-box presence are vital for Arbeloa’s system.
- Levante: Etta Eyong (Forward) - The 22-year-old has six goals and three assists this season and will be the primary threat on the counter-attack.
- Levante: Luis Castro (Manager) - His tactical adjustments have sparked a turnaround in form, making Levante a much harder team to beat.
🎯 The Key Battlegrounds
- The Defensive Crisis: With Militão, Alaba, and potentially Rüdiger unavailable, Madrid may start youngsters Huijsen and Asencio in the heart of defense.
- Attacking Overload: Madrid’s trio of Mbappé, Vinícius Jr., and Rodrygo against a Levante defense that has conceded 0.9 goals per game in recent weeks.
- Managerial Response: How Arbeloa manages the Bernabéu’s high expectations in his first home league game since replacing Xabi Alonso.
🔮 Prediction and Final Word
Real Madrid is the heavy favorite given their home dominance and the return of their star attackers. While Levante’s improved form under Castro suggests they will be competitive, the gap in quality and Madrid's desperation for a win should lead to a home victory. However, the makeshift Madrid defense might offer Levante opportunities to get on the scoresheet.
Predicted Score: Real Madrid 3–1 Levante
Will Álvaro Arbeloa secure his first league win at the Bernabéu, or can Levante stun the champions-elect? Kick-off is at 06:30 PM IST tonight!
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