Real Madrid break Levante’s resistance with second-half Double

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Real Madrid maintained their title momentum with a composed 2–0 victory over Levante in LaLiga, on Saturday, controlling proceedings before striking decisively after the break at the Santiago Bernabéu.

After a dominant but goalless first half, Real Madrid broke the resistance in the 58th minute when Kylian Mbappe calmly converted a VAR-confirmed penalty, sending goalkeeper Mathew Ryan the wrong way.

The breakthrough reflected Madrid’s sustained pressure, having monopolised possession and territory without finding a cutting edge earlier.

Levante, disciplined and compact, survived several scares before the interval. Jude Bellingham and Mbappé both went close, while the visitors threatened sporadically on the counter, notably when Karl Etta Eyong squandered an early chance.

Despite Madrid enjoying over 80 per cent possession in spells, Levante’s organisation and Ryan’s alert goalkeeping kept the contest finely balanced.

The second goal arrived on 65 minutes and effectively ended the contest. From an Arda Guler corner, defender Raul Asencio rose above his marker to power a precise header inside the left post, underlining Madrid’s aerial threat and set-piece efficiency.

From there, Carlo Ancelotti’s side tightened control. Jude Bellingham saw a header brilliantly saved, Vinícius Júnior forced Ryan into another sharp stop, and Franco Mastantuono struck the crossbar as Madrid threatened to run away with it. The shot count told the story, with Madrid registering eight efforts on target to Levante’s none.

Levante made changes in search of a foothold but struggled to bypass Madrid’s structure. Their best moments came from long-range efforts and isolated breaks, neither troubling the hosts’ defence.

An attendance of 70,104 watched Madrid manage the closing stages with assurance, limiting risk while probing for a third that never came.