Real Madrid vs Levante
Alvaro Arbeloa’s Real Madrid regime is off to a nightmare start, as Real Madrid bowed out of the Copa del Rey Round of 16, losing 3-2 on Wednesday against Albacete, a Segunda Division side. Following their latest setback, it’s back to La Liga matters for Los Blancos, as they’ll host Levante at the Bernabeu on Saturday. Before Arbeloa took over, Real Madrid fired Xabi Alonso, following their Spanish Super Cup final defeat against 10-man Barcelona (3-2), due to his fractured relationship with some key players and the higher-ups.
And now it’s up to Arbeloa to right the ship, and beating a disjointed Levante squad is a step in the right direction. Real Madrid are currently second in the Spanish top-flight table with 45 points, four points behind Barcelona, so they still have enough time. Meanwhile, Levante are 19th in the table with 14 points, and Luis Castro’s men are fighting for their lives.
Talking Points
Real Madrid relied on their youth
Alvaro Arbeloa was already dealt a bad hand in his first game as Real Madrid head coach, as he missed 11 first-team players for their Copa del Rey game against Albacete. Players such as Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy, Kylian Mbappe, and Trent Alexander-Arnold were injured. Rodrygo and Antonio Rudiger were also ruled out for rest. Brahim Diaz is still on international duty with Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations, while Jude Bellingham, Aurelien Tchouameni, Alvaro Carreras, and Thibaut Courtois all stayed in Madrid.
Given that so many first-team players were unavailable, Arbeloa called up several academy players, especially those he’s familiar with from his time as their head coach. On paper, they should’ve had enough quality to beat Albacete, but Real Madrid collapsed in the end.
After conceding a Javi Villar goal in the 42nd minute, Franco Mastantuono scored the equaliser before halftime. Jefte Betancor and Gonzalo Garcia exchanged goals in the final 10 minutes, but the former completed his brace deep into stoppage time, eliminating Real Madrid in the Round of 16.
Given the importance of the Levante match, Arbeloa should have more options this weekend. However, don’t expect Kylian Mbappe – Real Madrid’s top scorer with 18 league goals – to return to the lineup due to his lingering knee injury.
Levante could have star striker back
Karl Etta Eyong’s return couldn’t come soon enough for Levante, as he’s their leading scorer this season with six league goals. The 22-year-old is fresh from helping Cameroon reach the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals, where they eventually lost to Morocco by two goals. Eyong scored the Indomitable Lions’ first goal of the continental tournament.
Levante have been surprisingly unbeaten in their last three games, holding Espanyol and Real Sociedad to 1-1 stalemates while routing Sevilla 3-0 on the road. Luis Castro’s side was buoyed by the goals from Iker Losada, Carlos Espi, Carlos Alvarez, and Adrian de la Fuente. Eyong’s impending arrival should inject more confidence into this squad.
History
Levante are back in the Spanish top-flight after finishing on top of the Segunda Division in the 2024-25 campaign. However, with the way things are going, Los Granotes could be headed back to the Segunda Division right after this season.
They lost 4-1 to Real Madrid in the reverse fixture at the Estadio Ciudad de Valencia last September, as Vinicius Jr., Franco Mastantuono, and Kylian Mbappe (brace) were on the scoresheet for Los Blancos. Karl Etta Eyong scored a consolation goal for Levante in the second half.
Real Madrid have a 100-per cent record against teams that were 14th or lower at the end of the last round this season (W7). Levante have yet to beat any side starting this round 12th or higher (D4, L7).
Betting Tip
The SBOTOP La Liga 2026 odds expect a lopsided affair between Real Madrid and Levante. Despite their recent struggles, Los Blancos should win this one with ease, as they’re 1.13 favourites to claim maximum points. On the other hand, Los Granotes are massive 12.00 underdogs, and a draw is valued at 7.50 in the 1X2 market.
Expect Real Madrid to vent their ire on Levante. Besides our recommended bet, bettors can expect numerous La Liga 2026 highlights from this contest, making alternatives like Over 3.50 at 1.75, Over 3.75 at 1.95, Over 4.00 at 2.21, and Total Goal 4-6 at 2.06 viable. Furthermore, a Correct Score of 4-1 in favour of Los Blancos – the result of their last league encounter – offers a tidy payday of 13.00 your bet.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT)
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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