Levante UD vs Real Madrid Lineups – Starting XIs, Timeline & Goals

Real Madrid secured a comfortable 2-0 victory over Levante UD at the Estadio Bernabéu on January 17, 2026, in Round 20 of LaLiga 2025/26. Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 58th minute, while Raúl Asencio doubled the lead eight minutes later with a header assisted by Arda Güler. The match attracted an attendance of 70,104 spectators, with kickoff scheduled for 13:00 UTC.

The encounter marked Real Madrid’s second meeting with Levante UD during the 2025/26 campaign. Coming into the fixture, Real Madrid sat second in the league standings with 48 points from 20 matches, while Levante UD languished in 19th position. The home side dominated after half-time, effectively ending a challenging run of form that had raised concerns among supporters.

Levante UD vs Real Madrid Starting Lineups Today

Real Madrid XI (4-3-3 Formation)

Real Madrid deployed a 4-3-3 tactical setup for the encounter. Thibaut Courtois started in goal, wearing the number 1 shirt. The defensive line comprised Federico Valverde as captain, Raúl Asencio who scored the second goal and was substituted in the 90th minute, Dean Huijsen who made way for a substitution in the 61st minute, and Álvaro Fernández occupying the left-back position.

In midfield, Eduardo Camavinga was substituted at half-time, while Aurélien Tchouaméni and Jude Bellingham featured in the center of the park. The attacking trio consisted of Kylian Mbappé who netted the opening goal from the penalty spot in the 58th minute, Vinícius Júnior, and Gonzalo García who was substituted at half-time.

Key substitutes who made an impact included Arda Güler, who entered the pitch at the 45th minute and provided the assist for Asencio’s goal, Franco Mastantuono who also came on at half-time, Dani Ceballos who replaced Huijsen in the 61st minute, and David Alaba who entered in the 90th minute. The match officials recorded 2 minutes of additional time at the end of each half.

Levante UD XI

Levante UD set up in a predominantly defensive formation. Australian goalkeeper Mathew Ryan wore the number 13 shirt. The back four consisted of Jeremy Toljan, Andrés De la Fuente, Alberto Matturro, and Miguelón Sánchez.

Pablo Martínez captained the side from central midfield, partnered by Ussama Vencedor Paris who received a yellow card in the 17th minute. Kevin Tunde and Carlos Álvarez operated on the flanks, with both players substituted in the 83rd minute. The forward line featured Íñigo Romero and Kevin Etta Eyong, who was replaced in the 66th minute.

Levante’s substitutes included U. Raghouber and I. Losada who entered in the 66th minute, and J. Olasagasti, C. Espí, and P. Cortés who came on in the 83rd minute as part of a triple substitution.

Key Substitutes Overview

Team	Player	Minute On	Contribution
Real Madrid	Arda Güler	45′	Assist for 65′ goal
Real Madrid	Franco Mastantuono	45′	Half-time substitution
Real Madrid	Dani Ceballos	61′	Replaced Huijsen
Real Madrid	David Alaba	90′	Replaced Asencio
Levante UD	U. Raghouber	66′	Replaced Vencedor Paris
Levante UD	I. Losada	66′	Replaced Etta Eyong

Real Madrid vs Levante UD Match Timeline

The match unfolded with Real Madrid controlling proceedings after the interval. The first half ended goalless with two minutes of additional time played. A foul on Gonzalo García in the 43rd minute highlighted Levante’s defensive approach during the opening period.

1. 17′ (Levante) – Ussama Vencedor Paris receives a yellow card for a challenge.
2. 43′ (Real Madrid) – Foul committed on Gonzalo García draws the referee’s attention.
3. HT 0-0 – First half concludes with no goals scored after 2 minutes of added time.
4. 45′ (Real Madrid) – Half-time substitutions: Arda Güler replaces Eduardo Camavinga; Franco Mastantuono replaces Gonzalo García.
5. 58′ (Real Madrid) – Kylian Mbappé converts a penalty to give Real Madrid a 1-0 lead.
6. 61′ (Real Madrid) – Dani Ceballos comes on for Dean Huijsen.
7. 65′ (Real Madrid) – Raúl Asencio scores the second goal, assisted by Arda Güler, to make it 2-0.
8. 66′ (Levante) – Double substitution: U. Raghouber and I. Losada replace Vencedor Paris and Etta Eyong.
9. 83′ (Levante) – Triple substitution: J. Olasagasti, C. Espí, and P. Cortés enter the pitch.
10. 90′ (Real Madrid) – David Alaba replaces Raúl Asencio. Five minutes of additional time announced.
11. FT 2-0 – Real Madrid win their first match in three attempts.

According to ESPN’s match report, the victory provided relief for a team that had been navigating what was described as a crisis-hit run of results. The two-goal margin reflected Real Madrid’s territorial dominance in the second half, with Levante unable to mount a sustained response after falling behind.

Head-to-Head: Real Madrid vs Levante UD Matches

The historical record between these two clubs heavily favors Real Madrid. Across all competitive meetings, Real Madrid have accumulated 16 victories against Levante UD’s 5 wins, with 4 matches ending in draws. This latest result at the Bernabéu further reinforces Madrid’s dominance in the fixture.

Levante’s previous notable result against Real Madrid came in a 4-0 victory during a different campaign. However, records indicate the club has historically struggled when playing away at the Estadio Bernabéu. The current season marks the second encounter between the sides in the 2025/26 LaLiga schedule.

The tactical approach employed by both clubs in this fixture reflected their respective positions in the league table. Real Madrid, with ambitions of competing for the title, controlled the tempo and created the clearer opportunities. Levante, fighting to avoid relegation, prioritised defensive solidity before their eventual substitutions attempted to alter the match’s trajectory.

Levante UD vs Real Madrid Stats and Key Data

Real Madrid entered the match ranked second in the LaLiga 2025/26 standings with a record of 15 wins, 3 draws, and 2 losses accumulating 48 points from 20 fixtures. Statistical previews indicated Real Madrid maintained a strong home record, winning approximately 89% of matches at the Bernabéu this season. The team averaged 1.6 shots per game with a 60% success rate in aerial duels.

Levante UD arrived at the Bernabéu in 19th position, having won only 3 of their previous 6 league matches. The visiting side’s recent form displayed vulnerability, particularly in away fixtures against top-tier opposition. The club’s objective entering the match centred on survival rather than European qualification.

Post-match analysis noted Real Madrid controlled the attacking momentum throughout the second half, with Mbappé’s penalty providing the breakthrough. While complete possession and shot statistics remained unavailable from the primary sources, the narrative confirmed Madrid’s territorial supremacy after the interval. The match represented a home victory that aligned with Real Madrid’s season-long dominance at the Bernabéu.

For comparison with other top-flight results, readers may also follow Transfer News Man Utd: Latest Live Updates & Rumours to track how other Premier League clubs approach similar fixture scheduling challenges throughout their domestic season.

Match Context and Tactical Analysis

The fixture represented a significant moment in Real Madrid’s season, with manager Carlo Ancelotti facing pressure to deliver results after a challenging run of fixtures. The 4-3-3 formation selected provided attacking width through the deployment of Vinícius Júnior and Mbappé as wide forwards, while the midfield trio offered defensive cover and creative capabilities. Understanding how Real Madrid’s 4-3-3 system operates provides insight into why the tactical setup proved effective against a defensively-oriented opponent.

Levante UD’s approach mirrored typical survival tactics deployed by relegation-threatened teams against superior opponents. The first half strategy centred on maintaining defensive shape and limiting space between the lines. However, the absence of a goal threat limited their ability to force Real Madrid to respect their defensive organisation.

The introduction of Arda Güler at half-time proved to be the match-turning moment. The Turkish international’s ability to drift into pockets of space created uncertainty in Levante’s defensive structure. His assist for Asencio’s goal demonstrated the tactical awareness that had prompted the pre-match selection decisions. Jude Bellingham’s continued influence in the middle of the park, as detailed in our analysis of his role at Real Madrid, remained crucial to maintaining control during transition phases.

Confirmed Information and Areas of Uncertainty

Multiple sources confirmed the essential match facts, though comprehensive statistical breakdowns remained limited in the immediate post-match coverage. Readers interested in exploring similar coverage models for other clubs may find the analysis in Sunderland ‘Til I Die: Season 4 Status & Netflix Guide useful for understanding how documentary series track seasonal campaigns.

Sources and References

“Real Madrid beat Levante 2-0 at the Bernabéu on Saturday. Mbappé and Asencio scored the goals as Real ended a crisis-hit run.” — ESPN Match Report

The match details have been compiled from multiple reliable sporting data providers. Sky Sports provided the confirmed starting lineups and substitution timings, while Sofascore contributed detailed minute-by-minute match events. ESPN offered contextual analysis regarding Real Madrid’s season trajectory. Fotmob and Forebet supplemented the statistical context and historical head-to-head records.

All information has been cross-referenced where possible to ensure accuracy. Where discrepancies existed between sources, such as variations in player name spellings or formation descriptions, the most widely cited version has been adopted.

Summary

Real Madrid’s 2-0 victory over Levante UD at the Estadio Bernabéu on January 17, 2026, delivered three crucial points in the LaLiga 2025/26 title race. Kylian Mbappé’s penalty in the 58th minute broke the deadlock before Raúl Asencio’s header eight minutes later wrapped up the points. The result improved Real Madrid’s position in second place while condemning Levante UD to continued struggles near the foot of the table.

The match turned following half-time substitutions that brought Arda Güler and Franco Mastantuono into the action. Güler’s involvement directly resulted in the second goal, providing an assist that highlighted his growing influence within the squad. Real Madrid’s home dominance continued with this victory, maintaining their impressive Bernabéu record throughout the season.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Real Madrid vs Levante UD match take place?

The match was played on 17 January 2026 at the Estadio Bernabéu in Madrid, with kickoff scheduled for 13:00 UTC.

What was the final score between Real Madrid and Levante UD?

Real Madrid defeated Levante UD 2-0. Mbappé scored from the penalty spot in the 58th minute, and Asencio added the second goal in the 65th minute.

Who scored for Real Madrid against Levante?

Kylian Mbappé scored from a penalty in the 58th minute, while Raúl Asencio netted the second goal in the 65th minute with an assist from Arda Güler.

What was Real Madrid’s formation in this match?

Real Madrid lined up in a 4-3-3 formation with Courtois in goal, Valverde as captain, and Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Gonzalo García leading the attack.

How many points did Real Madrid have before this match?

Real Madrid entered the match in second position in the LaLiga 2025/26 standings with 48 points from 20 matches (15 wins, 3 draws, 2 losses).

Where did Levante UD finish in the league table?

Levante UD sat in 19th position before the match, having won only three of their previous six league fixtures and fighting to avoid relegation.

What was the head-to-head record between the clubs?

Real Madrid have dominated the fixture historically with 16 wins, compared to Levante UD’s 5 victories, with 4 matches ending in draws.

What was Real Madrid’s home record this season?

Real Madrid maintained a strong home record at the Bernabéu, winning approximately 89% of matches played at their stadium during the 2025/26 campaign.