LaLiga | Matchday 20 | Santiago Bernabéu
With no escape and no excuses, ex-player and newly appointed head coach Álvaro Arbeloa enters the Bernabeu with immense pressure on his shoulders, do or die.
He leaves with a crucial 3 points, defeating Levante 2-0.
Despite piercing whistles directed at Vinícius Jr, los blancos controlled possession from the first kick, yet a well-organised Levante limited clear chances in the box in the first half.
The 56th minute saw Real Madrid take the lead, with recently returned from injury Kylian Mbappé converting from the penalty spot, sending the keeper the wrong way and granting Real Madrid the much-needed lead.
Just nine minutes later, Arda Güler, introduced to inject creativity, delivered a superb corner, met powerfully by Asencio, whose header left the goalkeeper with no chance and doubled Madrid’s advantage.
Leading at the Bernabeu, Real Madrid wouldn’t let this one slip, remaining solid at the back and not allowing the away side to get their foot into the game.
This win felt less like a triumph, but a necessity for a struggling Real Madrid. The expectations for this club to be the best and remain the best allow for little room for error.