Real Madrid faces Levante in a critical La Liga matchday clash at the Santiago Bernabéu today. New manager Álvaro Arbeloa takes charge of his first home match after the dramatic Copa del Rey exit. Can the defending champions bounce back against a resurgent Levante side unbeaten in their last three games?
🔥 Quick Facts
- Kick-off Time: 1:00 PM GMT, January 17, 2026 at Santiago Bernabéu
- Real Madrid Form: 14 wins, 3 draws, 2 losses (45 points), sitting in 2nd place
- Levante Status: 3 wins, 5 draws, 10 losses (14 points), languishing in 19th place
- Key Storyline: Arbeloa’s debut at home following Xabi Alonso’s shock departure
Arbeloa’s First Home Test After Copa del Rey Shock
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Real Madrid suffered a stunning 3-2 defeat to Albacete, a second-tier side, in the Copa del Rey this week, but now focus returns to the league. Álvaro Arbeloa will make his debut at home after taking the helm mid-week following Xabi Alonso’s exit.
The loss exposed defensive vulnerabilities, though Madrid bounced back with three consecutive league wins. This match represents a chance to restore confidence and show the Bernabéu faithful that stability has returned. Madrid are chasing their 15th league victory as they battle to keep pace with Barcelona at the top of the table.
Levante’s Surprising Upswing on the Road
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Levante arrive at the Bernabéu looking to extend their impressive three-game unbeaten streak, including a stunning 3-0 away win against Sevilla. Despite sitting in the relegation zone with just 3 league wins all season, the Valencia-based club has found their rhythm away from home.
All three of Levante’s victories have come on the road, earning 11 points from 10 away games. However, facing Real Madrid at home is a vastly different proposition, and history heavily favors the defending champions. Madrid beat Levante 4-1 earlier this season and have scored at least 3 goals in their last three meetings.
Player Matchup and Key Tactical Battle
| Factor | Real Madrid | Levante |
| Record | 14-3-2 | 3-5-10 |
| Key Player | Kylian Mbappé (18 goals) | Karl Etta Eyong (5 goals) |
| Recent Form | 3 consecutive wins | Unbeaten in 3 |
Kylian Mbappé remains La Liga’s top scorer with 18 goals, and the Frenchman will be crucial to Madrid’s attack, though he’s been managing a minor knee injury. Jude Bellingham continues to impress for the hosts, while Vinícius Jr provides explosive pace on the wing. Levante’s defense, particularly goalkeeper Mathew Ryan, will need to be at their peak to prevent a goal avalanche.
“We want to return to our stadium and continue the fight for the League. Everything that happens on the pitch is my responsibility.”
— Álvaro Arbeloa, Real Madrid Manager
Injury Woes and Squad Availability Concerns
Real Madrid will be without 7 key players, severely impacting defensive options. Eder Militao remains sidelined until late March, while Antonio Rüdiger, Ferland Mendy, and Trent Alexander-Arnold are all listed as doubts. Brahim Díaz is at AFCON with Morocco.
Meanwhile, Levante welcome back Manu Sánchez following suspension and recover Karl Eyong from AFCON. Despite injuries, Madrid’s squad depth gives them a significant advantage in this particular matchup.
What This Match Means for the Title Race?
Real Madrid cannot afford any slip-ups as they trail Barcelona at the summit. A victory would keep the pressure on the Catalan club and reassure supporters after the midweek cup embarrassment. Levante’s focus is survival, and even a draw would represent a stunning point at the Bernabéu.
Expect a dominant Real Madrid performance with Mbappé and Bellingham driving the attack. Levante will look to absorb pressure and hit on the counter, hoping their away-game confidence translates to competitive intensity. Experts predict a comfortable 3-0 Madrid victory, though the visitors’ form suggests they won’t roll over easily.
