Introduction: Real Madrid vs Levante Tonight
The lights of the Santiago Bernabéu are set to shine brightly tonight as Real Madrid vs Levante UD for a pivotal Matchday 20 encounter. For the hosts, it is a moment of transition and a desperate need for stability; for the visitors, it is an opportunity to capitalize on a giant in a state of flux.
As we kick off the second half of the 2025–26 LaLiga campaign, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Real Madrid is chasing a rampant Barcelona at the top of the table, while Levante is fighting a gritty battle to climb out of the relegation zone. This preview covers everything from the tactical shakeups under new management to the latest injury news and form guides.
1. The Big Story: A New Era at the Bernabéu
The headline entering tonight’s match isn’t just about the three points—it’s about the man on the touchline. In a shocking turn of events earlier this January, Xabi Alonso departed the club by mutual consent following a narrow defeat in the Spanish Super Cup final.
In his place stands a familiar face: Alvaro Arbeloa. The former Madrid defender has been tasked with steadying the ship. However, his tenure got off to a rocky start with a disappointing exit from the Copa del Rey at the hands of Albacete. Tonight represents Arbeloa’s first LaLiga match in charge, and the Bernabéu faithful will be expecting a statement of intent to prove that the title race is far from over.
2. Form Guide: Tale of Two Directions
Real Madrid: Seeking Redemption
Real Madrid enters tonight on the back of two consecutive defeats across all competitions (the Super Cup final and the Copa del Rey). Despite these cup stumbles, their home form in the league remains formidable.
- LaLiga Standing: 2nd Place (45 points)
- Home Record: 8 wins, 1 loss in 9 matches.
- Recent League Form: W-W-W-L-W
- The Positive: Kylian Mbappé remains the league’s most lethal weapon, leading the scoring charts with 18 goals.
Levante UD: The “Giant Killers” Mentality
Levante might sit 19th in the table, but their recent form suggests a team that is finally finding its rhythm under Luis Castro. They are currently on a three-game unbeaten run in LaLiga, which included a stunning 3-0 away victory against Sevilla.
- LaLiga Standing: 19th Place (14–18 points depending on games in hand)
- Away Record: Surprisingly resilient, picking up 11 points on their travels.
- Recent League Form: D-W-D-L-L
- The Positive: Their defensive organization has improved significantly, making them a difficult nut to crack for top-tier sides.
3. Team News and Injury Updates
Real Madrid’s Defensive Crisis
Arbeloa faces a significant headache when selecting his backline. Real Madrid is currently missing seven key first-team players, five of whom are defensive options:
- Missing: Eder Militão (hamstring), Antonio Rüdiger (knee), Trent Alexander-Arnold (thigh), Ferland Mendy (hamstring), and David Alaba (rehab).
- Other Absences: Rodrygo and Brahim Díaz (AFCON duty/injury).
- The Returns: Thibaut Courtois, Jude Bellingham, and Federico Valverde are expected to return to the starting XI after being rested mid-week.
Levante’s Squad Condition
The visitors are in relatively good shape compared to their opponents.
- Absences: Roger Brugue (knee) and Unai Elgezabal (knee) are the notable misses.
- Key Returns: Karl Etta Eyong has returned from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and is expected to lead the line after a successful stint with Cameroon.
4. Tactical Analysis: How the Match Will Be Won
Real Madrid’s Front Three
With Rodrygo out, expect Arbeloa to lean on the pace of Vinicius Junior and the clinical finishing of Kylian Mbappé. There is also a strong possibility of seeing Arda Güler get a starting nod to provide the creative spark needed to unlock a low-block defense.
Levante’s Counter-Attacking Threat
Levante’s strategy will likely revolve around absorbing pressure and utilizing the pace of Ivan Romero and Carlos Alvarez. They have averaged over 1.3 goals per away game this season, a statistic that should worry a depleted Real Madrid defense that may feature youngsters like Raúl Asencio and Dean Huijsen.
5. Predicted Lineups
Real Madrid (4-3-3):
- Goalkeeper: Courtois
- Defenders: Carvajal, Asencio, Huijsen, Carreras
- Midfielders: Valverde, Tchouaméni, Bellingham
- Forwards: Arda Güler, Mbappé, Vinicius Jr.
Levante UD (4-2-3-1):
- Goalkeeper: Mathew Ryan
- Defenders: Toljan, De la Fuente, Moreno, Pampín
- Midfielders: Martinez, Arriaga
- Attacking Midfielders: Eyong, Alvarez, Losada
- Striker: Romero
6. Head-to-Head: Recent Encounters
History favors the “Kings of Europe,” but Levante has often been a “bogey team” for Real Madrid.
- Last Meeting: Real Madrid won 4-1 (September 2025).
- Previous Meeting: Real Madrid won 6-0 at the Bernabéu.
- Overall Trend: While Madrid has won 5 of the last 8 meetings, Levante has managed 2 wins and a draw, proving they can frustrate the giants when they aren’t clinical.
7. Match Prediction and Betting Insights
The bookmakers have Real Madrid as heavy favorites, but the Asian disability suggests that Levante could keep this closer than many expect.
Key Prediction: Real Madrid 3-1 Levante.
While Madrid’s defensive woes are real, the sheer attacking quality of Bellingham, Vinicius, and Mbappé should be enough to see them through. However, don’t be surprised if Levante finds the back of the net, given the makeshift nature of the Madrid defense.
8. Summary of Match Details
| Feature | Details |
| Competition | LaLiga EA Sports (Matchday 20) |
| Date | Saturday, January 17, 2026 |
| Kick-off Time | 2:00 PM CET / 1:00 PM GMT |
| Venue | Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid |
| Referee | To be confirmed |
Conclusion: Real Madrid vs Levante
Tonight is more than just a league fixture; it is a test of character for Alvaro Arbeloa’s Real Madrid. Can they silence the critics and keep the pressure on Barcelona, or will Levante continue their resurgence and pull off the upset of the season? One thing is certain: with Mbappé in pursuit of the Pichichi and Levante fighting for their top-flight lives, the Santiago Bernabéu is in for a thrilling night of football.
FAQs
Where will the Real Madrid vs Levante match be played?
The match will be played at Real Madrid’s home stadium, where Los Blancos traditionally enjoy strong crowd support and an excellent recent record in league matches.
What is Real Madrid’s current form going into this match?
Real Madrid enter this fixture in strong league form, showing consistent attacking play, solid defensive organization, and positive results that keep them firmly in the title race.
How has Levante performed in recent LaLiga matches?
Levante’s recent form has been mixed, with moments of resilience balanced by defensive challenges, making this match a tough test against one of LaLiga’s strongest teams.
Which players could be key for Real Madrid tonight?
Real Madrid’s attacking leaders and creative midfielders are expected to play key roles, using pace, vision, and finishing ability to control the match and create scoring chances.
Who are the players to watch for Levante?
Levante will rely on their most experienced attackers and hard-working midfield players to stay competitive, particularly through counterattacks and set-piece opportunities.
What tactical approach might Real Madrid use?
Real Madrid are likely to dominate possession, press high up the pitch, and attack through wide areas while using quick passing combinations to break down Levante’s defense.
How might Levante approach this game tactically?
Levante are expected to defend compactly, absorb pressure, and look for chances on the counterattack, aiming to frustrate Real Madrid and capitalize on rare scoring opportunities.
What is at stake for Real Madrid in this LaLiga match?
This match is crucial for Real Madrid’s LaLiga ambitions, as securing three points helps maintain momentum and strengthens their position in the ongoing title race.
Why is Real Madrid vs Levante attracting strong fan interest?
The fixture draws attention due to Real Madrid’s star power, LaLiga title implications, and Levante’s potential to challenge stronger opponents with disciplined, determined performances.
