Real Madrid Seek Redemption Against Levante in Crucial La Liga Clash
MADRID, 17 January 2026 – Real Madrid will aim to bounce back from a turbulent week when they welcome relegation-threatened Levante to the Santiago Bernabéu this afternoon in Matchday 20 of La Liga. The match marks Álvaro Arbeloa’s first home game in charge after replacing the departed Xabi Alonso, with pressure mounting following a shock Copa del Rey elimination to second-tier Albacete.
New Era Under Arbeloa Begins at the Bernabéu
The atmosphere at the Bernabéu will be one of cautious optimism mixed with expectation as former defender Álvaro Arbeloa takes charge of his first home match. Appointed earlier this week after Xabi Alonso’s departure by mutual consent, Arbeloa’s debut ended in a 3-2 defeat at Albacete, intensifying scrutiny on the former Castilla coach. In his pre-match press conference, Arbeloa appealed for supporter patience, stating, “I understand that Madrid fans are hurt and disappointed with us, but I’m going to ask for their support. In Real Madrid’s history, titles have only been won when the Bernabéu has been behind the players.”
League Context and Form Guide
The match carries significant weight for both teams’ respective campaigns. Real Madrid sit second in La Liga with 45 points from 19 matches, four points behind leaders Barcelona. Levante, meanwhile, occupy 19th position with just 14 points from 18 games, though they arrive with improved form under manager Luís Castro, unbeaten in their last three league outings (one win, two draws).
| Team | Position | Points | Recent Form |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real Madrid | 2nd | 45 | W W L W L |
| Levante | 19th | 14 | D W D L L |
Team News and Key Absences
Real Madrid receive a significant boost with Kylian Mbappé declared fit and available after recovering from a knee issue. The French forward, who leads Madrid’s scoring charts with 18 league goals, is expected to start. However, Brazilian winger Rodrygo has been ruled out with an undisclosed injury. Defender Antonio Rüdiger (knee) and left-back Ferland Mendy (calf) remain doubts, while long-term absentee Éder Militão continues his rehabilitation.
Levante travel to the capital with confidence boosted by recent results, including a 3-0 away victory at Sevilla. Key attacker José Luis Morales, who has scored five career goals against Real Madrid, will be one to watch. The visitors have injury concerns of their own, with Unai Elgezabal (meniscus) and Roger Brugué (ligament) sidelined.
Historical Head-to-Head
Real Madrid hold a dominant historical record against Levante, but the Valencian side have proven capable of causing upsets. Since the 2018-19 season, Levante have won three of their nine La Liga meetings with Madrid. Notably, they secured a 2-1 victory at the Bernabéu in January 2021. However, Madrid have won the last five consecutive encounters in all competitions, including a 4-1 victory in the reverse fixture this season in September.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does Real Madrid vs Levante kick off?
The match is scheduled for 2:00 pm local time (CET) on Saturday 17 January 2026. For Australian viewers, this translates to 11:00 pm AEDT.
Where can I watch the match?
The match will be broadcast on various international sports networks. In Australia, check local listings for La Liga broadcast rights holders.
Who is Real Madrid’s top scorer this season?
Kylian Mbappé leads Real Madrid’s scoring with 18 goals in 18 La Liga appearances this campaign.
What is at stake for Levante in this match?
With only 14 points from 18 games, Levante are deep in a relegation battle. Every point is crucial as they fight to climb out of the bottom three and secure their top-flight status.