Real Madrid vs Levante takes center stage this Saturday at the Santiago Bernabéu, and while the odds heavily favor Los Blancos, this La Liga matchday 20 encounter carries more intrigue than the table suggests. Real Madrid come into this Real Madrid vs Levante fixture desperately needing three points after suffering back-to-back defeats, while Levante, sitting 19th in the standings, arrive with nothing to lose and everything to prove. Where to watch the matches you can watch it on Damitv.pro .
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Real Madrid vs Levante: Match Details and Context
The Real Madrid vs Levante clash kicks off at 16:00 CET (1:00 PM GMT) at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu stadium. This match marks Álvaro Arbeloa’s La Liga debut as Real Madrid’s manager following the shocking departure of Xabi Alonso. The timing couldn’t be more crucial for Los Blancos, who trail the league leaders by just four points and cannot afford another slip-up.
Levante arrive in Madrid with just three wins from 18 La Liga fixtures this season, making them one of the competition’s weakest sides. However, newly promoted teams often raise their game against football’s giants, and the pressure is entirely on the home side to deliver a convincing performance.
For those watching this Real Madrid vs Levante encounter, expect Los Blancos to dominate possession while Levante deploy a deep defensive block designed to frustrate and counter-attack.
Head-to-Head Record: Real Madrid vs Levante Historical Dominance
The Real Madrid vs Levante head-to-head record overwhelmingly favors the capital club. Real Madrid have won 21 of the last 31 meetings between these sides, compared to just six victories for Levante. This season, the teams have already faced each other, with Real Madrid securing a convincing 4-1 victory at the Ciudad de Valencia, highlighted by a second-half brace from Kylian Mbappé.
Over the last 10 encounters, Real Madrid have averaged 2.4 goals per game while Levante have managed just 1.4. More tellingly, Real Madrid have scored at least three goals in their last three matches against Levante across all competitions. This scoring pattern suggests another high-scoring affair could be on the cards at the Bernabéu.
However, recent form tells a different story for Real Madrid. After winning five consecutive matches, Los Blancos have lost their last two games and conceded six goals in the process. This defensive vulnerability could provide Levante with unexpected opportunities.
Predicted Lineups for Real Madrid vs Levante
Real Madrid Predicted XI
According to expert predictions, Real Madrid are expected to line up in their preferred formation with several key players returning from injury:
Formation: 4-3-3
Goalkeeper: Courtois
Defense: David Jiménez, Asencio, Huijsen, Carreras
Midfield: Tchouaméni, Valverde, Bellingham
Attack: Güler, Gonzalo, Vinicius
The return of key players makes this Real Madrid vs Levante lineup significantly stronger than recent weeks, giving Arbeloa plenty of attacking options to break down Levante’s defensive structure.
Levante Predicted XI
Levante are expected to adopt a compact 4-4-2 formation designed to frustrate Real Madrid’s attacking flow:
Formation: 4-4-2
Goalkeeper: Ryan
Defense: Toljan, De la Fuente, Moreno, Sánchez
Midfield: Álvarez, Arriaga, Martínez, Losada
Attack: Eyong, Romero
This conservative setup prioritizes defensive solidity and quick transitions, which has been Levante’s approach in away fixtures against top-six opposition this season.
Tactical Analysis: How Real Madrid vs Levante Will Unfold
Real Madrid’s Attacking Approach
In this Real Madrid vs Levante matchup, expect Los Blancos to control possession and build patiently from the back. Real Madrid average approximately 6.3 corners per match this season, indicating their sustained attacking pressure. Their full-backs will push high to stretch the pitch, creating space for midfielders like Bellingham and Valverde to operate between the lines.
One key tactical element will be how Real Madrid exploit space in behind Levante’s high defensive line. In their previous 4-1 victory, Real Madrid repeatedly used quick transitions and vertical passes to bypass Levante’s midfield, with players like Arda Güler dropping into pockets of space to receive the ball and turn.
Valverde’s ability to receive the ball in space and progress play will be crucial. When Levante’s front six applies pressure, Valverde can drag markers toward him before releasing teammates into dangerous positions.
Levante’s Defensive Structure
Levante will deploy a compact 4-4-2 that aims to close central channels and force Real Madrid wide. They concede an average of 7.1 corners per match, which highlights the sustained pressure they face from opponents. Their strategy relies on maintaining a narrow midfield zone that prevents Real Madrid from playing through the center.
The visitors will look to counter-attack when opportunities arise, though they average just 3.3 corners per match, indicating limited attacking momentum in most fixtures. Their success will depend on winning individual duels and second balls to disrupt Real Madrid’s rhythm and buy time to reset defensively.
Set pieces could become decisive in this Real Madrid vs Levante encounter, particularly if Levante can force turnovers in midfield and win free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Key Battles That Will Decide Real Madrid vs Levante
1. Valverde vs Levante’s Midfield
Federico Valverde’s ability to control tempo and progress the ball under pressure will be vital. In previous encounters, Valverde has excelled at receiving the ball in tight spaces, carrying it forward, and bypassing Levante’s midfield entirely. If Levante’s midfielders step out to press Valverde, it creates space for attacking players like Güler to drop deep and exploit gaps.
2. Vinicius Jr vs Levante’s Right Side
Vinicius Junior has tormented Levante’s defense in recent meetings, using his pace and dribbling to create chances. Levante’s right-back Toljan will need support from midfielders to contain Vinicius, but this could leave gaps elsewhere that Real Madrid can exploit.
3. Real Madrid’s Defensive Line vs Levante’s Counter-Attacks
Real Madrid have conceded six goals in their last two matches, exposing defensive vulnerabilities. Levante’s direct approach and willingness to commit players forward on the break could test this fragile backline, especially if Real Madrid commit too many numbers forward.
4. Set Pieces and Aerial Dominance
Both teams possess threats from set pieces. Real Madrid’s height advantage could prove decisive at both ends of the pitch, while Levante will look to exploit any lapses in marking during corners and free-kicks.
5. Managerial Debut Pressure on Arbeloa
Álvaro Arbeloa makes his La Liga managerial debut in this Real Madrid vs Levante fixture. The pressure to deliver an immediate response after Alonso’s departure adds psychological weight to this match. How Arbeloa handles in-game adjustments and motivates players will significantly impact the result.
Real Madrid vs Levante Score Prediction and Betting Tips
Multiple expert predictions suggest a comfortable Real Madrid victory, with most forecasting a 3-1 scoreline. The managerial change effect and Real Madrid’s need to appease frustrated fans after consecutive defeats should produce a motivated performance.
Our Prediction: Real Madrid 3-1 Levante
Key betting considerations for this Real Madrid vs Levante match include:
- Real Madrid to win with -2 handicap
- Over 2.5 goals (odds: 1.33) given Real Madrid’s recent scoring record against Levante
- Both teams to score – Real Madrid have kept just one clean sheet in their last nine games
- Levante to score at least once – Despite their struggles, even a weakened Real Madrid defense has shown vulnerability
The 19th-place Levante side faces too large a challenge to overcome at the Bernabéu, even against a Real Madrid team in crisis. Los Blancos possess superior quality across every position and will be eager to bounce back emphatically in front of their home supporters.
What This Real Madrid vs Levante Match Means for Both Teams
For Real Madrid, anything less than three points would be catastrophic for their title ambitions. With only a four-point gap to the league leaders, dropped points against lower-table opposition could prove costly by season’s end. This match is about restoring confidence, momentum, and the aura of invincibility that has defined Real Madrid at the Bernabéu for decades.
Arbeloa needs to make an immediate statement that Real Madrid remain title contenders despite recent setbacks. A convincing victory would calm nerves among fans and players while demonstrating that the team can respond positively to adversity.
For Levante, survival is the only objective this season. While a positive result at the Bernabéu would be a welcome bonus, their primary focus remains fixtures against direct relegation rivals. However, a disciplined performance that keeps the scoreline respectable would build confidence and tactical understanding that could prove valuable in upcoming crucial matches.
Even in defeat, Levante can gain value from testing themselves against Europe’s elite, identifying areas for improvement, and demonstrating fighting spirit that suggests they won’t go down without a battle.
Where to Watch Real Madrid vs Levante Live
The Real Madrid vs Levante match kicks off at 16:00 CET on Saturday, January 17, 2026. Fans can watch this La Liga fixture through various broadcasting partners depending on their region. Check your local La Liga broadcaster for specific coverage details.
For tactical analysis and post-match reactions, numerous football websites including Managing Madrid, Sports Illustrated, and Sportskeeda provide comprehensive coverage of Real Madrid matches.
Final Thoughts on Real Madrid vs Levante
This Real Madrid vs Levante encounter represents a pivotal moment in Los Blancos’ season. The combination of managerial change, recent poor form, and mounting title pressure creates a high-stakes environment where Real Madrid must deliver. Levante’s defensive organization and counter-attacking threat mean this won’t be the formality that league positions suggest, but ultimately, Real Madrid’s class should prevail.
The key question isn’t whether Real Madrid will win, but how convincingly they can do so. A dominant display would signal that Arbeloa has successfully galvanized the squad, while a narrow or unconvincing victory would suggest deeper problems remain unresolved.
For neutrals and Real Madrid fans alike, this Real Madrid vs Levante fixture offers a fascinating glimpse into how one of football’s biggest clubs responds to crisis under new leadership. Expect goals, drama, and a Real Madrid team desperate to remind everyone why they remain among Europe’s elite.