Real Madrid got back to winning ways in a tense afternoon at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu on Saturday, with Los Blancos not opening the deadlock against 19th-placed Levante until a 58th minute penalty from Kylian Mbappé. Raúl Asencio, scoring for the second game in a row at the Bernabéu, then doubled the lead with a powerful header from a corner-kick seven minutes later to seal a 2-0 win.
Three answers
1. How would the Bernabéu react?
Elimination from two tournaments in four days, with the corresponding change
of coach, disappointing performances and general frustration, was bound to create a reaction from the fans at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu. That was the case, with the protests particularly loud against Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham, Fede Valverde and Dean Huijsen. Footage later emerged of Vinícius visibly emotional in the tunnel before the game, already having heard the whistles aimed at him in the warm-up and during the announcement of the team. It would only get worse on the field, especially against the likes of Vinícius. In injury time, one speculative and wildly wide effort was whistled vociferously by some fans and applauded by others, with the Brazilian reacting by applauding the fans back, seemingly in appreciation of those who were supporting him. The protests in the stands, with handkerchiefs and whistles, reflect the unhappiness of the fans which was not fully satisfied even with the three points as they continued even after the final whistle.
2. How would Arbeloa line his side up with a number of regulars back?
Even without the likes of Antonio Rüdiger and Rodrygo, still both absent due to injuries, this was much closer to a full squad available for the new coach for his first game in charge at the Bernabéu. While Arbeloa had gambled on Castilla players against Albacete, he wasn’t making the same mistake twice and relied upon experience where possible. The only move which many didn’t see coming was the decision to start Kylian Mbappé, but also retain Gonzalo García. García had scored five goals in four games while substituting for the Frenchman. This time, he moved to the right flank with little impact, with the game passing him by somewhat as he seemed a little lost between the lines of occupying the right flank or drifting central, while much of Real Madrid’s play went down the left wing instead.
3. How fit is Kylian Mbappé?
L’Équipe reported that Kylian Mbappé wouldn’t be involved against Levante, and only hours later Álvaro Arbeloa confirmed that he would be in the squad. In the end, he started the game. It came after more concern in the warm-up, with Dean Huijsen tackling him hard in a rondo which left the Frenchman on the floor for three minutes receiving treatment from the club’s physios. Mbappé didn’t look at full speed, lacking some of that cutting edge and burst of pace to break away, but he received little service and still got himself on the scoresheet from the penalty spot with a coolly converted spot-kick. He registered more completed dribbles than anyone else on the field and created two chances, showing the quality that he can bring to the team even when he isn’t at his best. Now, he needs to regain momentum.
Three questions
1. Is Florentino Pérez under pressure?
For the first time in years, there have been visible protests against the club’s presidency. On Thursday night, banners were hung up around Valdebebas with messages calling for Florentino Pérez’s resignation, one literally saying ‘Florentino, game over’, and while they were swiftly taken down, it took only six minutes for the Bernabéu to chant calling for his resignation. Half-time brought about white handkerchiefs, whistles and more calls for his resignation. Reports that the club’s Grade Fans had been threatened with expulsion from the section, and the associated discounts for season tickets, should they whistle or get involved in protests, only seemed to dial up the criticism from the rest of the stadium. The win will ease some of the pressure, but the next 10 days will see Real Madrid fight for their place in the top eight of the Champions League with favourable, but not entirely comfortable, games against Monaco and Benfica, and a difficult away visit to third-placed Villarreal. Any more slip ups, and Pérez will almost certainly begin to feel the heat.
2. Was this a step in the right direction?
The feeling around the Bernabéu was far from one of positivity, even in spite of the result. The manner of the win, coming from a penalty which was needlessly conceded by Levante, and a corner which was converted, did little to ease the concerns or worries. The whistles may have eased off later in the game, but they did not fade completely, and Levante continued to look dangerous on the counter with Real Madrid struggling to generate opportunities from open play. In the first half, Real Madrid only generate 0.29 xG, less than half of Levante’s 0.63, but there was a substantial improvement in the second period as Levante tired and Real Madrid grew more comfortable. There will need to be more like this second half, as Levante, who have lost 11 of 19 games this season, are far from the toughest test that Los Blancos will face.
3. What can we read into Arbeloa’s game management?
Álvaro Arbeloa was under pressure to handle this game well in challenging circumstances, on his birthday of all days. While there were no major shocks with his selection, he did show some of the character that we’ve seen in press conferences by making a double change at half-time. In Gonzalo García and Eduardo Camavinga, the men withdrawn at the break were not dressing room heavyweights, but it did demonstrate a proactivity to how Arbeloa was seeking to approach the game. Defensively, the team still looked vulnerable even with a fairly conservative midfield three of Aurélien Tchouameni, Fede Valverde and Camavinga. The introduction of Arda Güler was a reflection of Arbeloa going for the win, seeking greater offensive impetus, even if it came after a dreadful first half. The coach can’t be blamed for much of what was going wrong, but he will take some of the credit for getting the job done.
