Real Madrid kicked off Álvaro Arbeloa’s first league match in charge with a controlled and confident 2–0 win over Levante at the Santiago Bernabéu. The new manager saw his team grow into the game, demonstrating patience and professionalism in anticipation his his manger debut. While the first half offered few clear opportunities, Madrid’s quality and composure shone after the break, giving Arbeloa the perfect start to his tenure.
The deadlock was broken in the 58th minute when Kylian Mbappé was fouled in the box, calmly converting the resulting penalty. The goal boosted Madrid’s tempo and confidence, and just seven minutes later, Raúl Asencio headed in a corner from Arda Güler, doubling the lead and allowing Madrid to control the remainder of the match.
From that point on, Madrid managed possession expertly, limited Levante’s attacking threats, and maintained a clean sheet — an ideal debut scenario for Arbeloa.
Key Match Stats
Score: Real Madrid 2–0 Levante
Possession: 70% Madrid
Shots: 26–10
Shots on target: 11–0
Corners: 8–0
Clean sheets: Real Madrid
Post-Match Reaction
Arbeloa reflected on his first league game as head coach, emphasizing patience and teamwork:
“We knew this wouldn’t be easy given everything surrounding the team lately. At halftime, we spoke about moving the ball quicker and being braver with our runs.”
He also addressed the responsibilities of leading Real Madrid:
“To represent Real Madrid, you need courage and personality. Today, the players showed both.”
Raúl Asencio spoke about the squad’s mindset under the new manager:
“Everyone wanted to respond together. This match was about showing character and getting confidence back.”
Key Match Takeaways
- Arbeloa’s debut delivered control, composure, and a clean sheet
- Patience paid off — Madrid’s quality showed after halftime
- Mbappé made a decisive impact immediately
- Set pieces again proved crucial, with Asencio’s header sealing the game
- The win provides an important confidence boost under new management
Final Word
Real Madrid’s first league match under Álvaro Arbeloa was not only about the three points — it was about establishing a tone for his tenure. With patience, controlled possession, and effective finishing, Madrid secured a result that balances tactical discipline with confidence, giving the new manager a strong platform to build on.