La Liga action returns to the Santiago Bernabéu today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, as Real Madrid hosts Levante UD. Kick-off is scheduled for 14:00 CET (13:00 GMT / 08:00 ET).
This Matchday 20 fixture marks a critical turning point for the "Merengues." Following the mid-season dismissal of Xabi Alonso and a shocking Copa del Rey exit to Albacete earlier this week, interim manager Álvaro Arbeloa makes his league debut in the dugout, facing a Levante side fighting for survival at the bottom of the table.
Match Context: Crisis Management vs. Survival Instinct
Real Madrid: The Arbeloa Era Begins
The atmosphere in Madrid is one of high pressure. Real Madrid currently sits in 2nd place with 45 points, trailing leaders Barcelona by four points. Arbeloa’s primary objective is to stop a negative spiral that saw the club lose both the Spanish Super Cup and their place in the Copa del Rey in just one week. With the title race at a delicate stage, anything less than three points against the 19th-placed team would be considered a catastrophe.
Levante UD: The "Granota" Resurgence
Levante arrives at the Bernabéu in 19th place but with renewed hope. Since the appointment of Portuguese coach Luís Castro in December, the "Frogs" are unbeaten in their last three matches, including a stunning 3–0 away victory at Sevilla. Though they remain in the relegation zone, Levante’s attacking threat—led by summer signing Karl Etta Eyong—poses a genuine risk to a depleted Madrid defense.
Team News and Predicted Lineups
Real Madrid Team News
Defensive Crisis: Arbeloa is missing five of his primary defenders. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Eder Militão, Ferland Mendy, and Antonio Rüdiger are all sidelined with injuries.
AFCON & Injuries: Brahim Díaz is away with Morocco at AFCON, while Rodrygo and goalkeeper Andriy Lunin are also ruled out.
Mbappé Status: Despite conflicting reports, the club has confirmed that Kylian Mbappé is available for selection, though he may not start after struggling with a knee issue.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Courtois; Carvajal, Tchouameni, Alaba, Fran García; Valverde, Camavinga, Bellingham; Arda Güler, Mbappé (or Endrick), Vinícius Júnior.
Levante UD Team News
Returnee: Karl Etta Eyong has returned from AFCON duty and is expected to lead the line immediately.
In-Form Star: Iker Losada has scored in back-to-back matches and remains the focal point of Castro's offensive transitions.
Missing: Carlos Romero is unavailable, but the rest of the squad is largely fit for the trip to the capital.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Mathew Ryan; Toljan, Moreno, Elgezabal, Manu Sánchez; Arriaga, Kocho; Alvarez, Losada, Brugui; Eyong.
Head-to-Head (H2H) and Key Stats
Historical Dominance: Real Madrid has won 27 of the 37 competitive meetings between these sides.
Recent Meeting: Real Madrid secured a 4–1 victory at the Ciutat de València earlier this season (September 2025).
The "Bernabéu Jinx": While Madrid is favored, Levante has pulled off two 2–1 victories at the Bernabéu in their last five visits (2018 and 2021).
Defensive Contrast: Real Madrid has conceded only six goals at home all season, while Levante has allowed the most goal attempts in the league (309).
Tactical Preview and Prediction
Álvaro Arbeloa is expected to simplify Madrid's tactics, likely dropping the experimental systems used in the cup for a more balanced 4-3-3. The key will be Aurélien Tchouaméni dropping into central defense to cover for the injury crisis.
Levante will likely employ a high-energy counter-attacking style. If they can withstand the early pressure from Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham, they may find joy against a Real Madrid backline that has looked disorganized in recent weeks. However, the sheer individual quality of the hosts should prevail in what Arbeloa has called a "must-win" league fixture.
Final Score Prediction: Real Madrid 3–1 Levante
Broadcast Information
Spain: DAZN LaLiga / Movistar+
USA: ESPN+ / ESPN Deportes
UK: Viaplay Sports 1 / LaLigaTV
International: Real Madrid TV (Audio commentary)
