Real Madrid return to La Liga on Saturday, 17th January, under pressure following a turbulent start to 2026. Xabi Alonso was sacked by Real Madrid after a series of poor results, including the Spanish Super Cup loss to Barcelona, which highlighted inconsistencies and defensive frailties. Álvaro Arbeloa took over, Softfootball reported.
His first knockout game ended in a 3-2 Copa del Rey defeat to Albacete, but Los Blancos remain second in the table, four points behind Barcelona, and have won eight of nine league matches at the Bernabéu.
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Levante arrive after a three-game unbeaten run in La Liga under new coach Luis Castro. Sitting 19th with 14 points, the visitors aim to exploit Madrid’s temporary instability. Levante also posted a press conference video on their X handle, signalling confidence ahead of the trip.
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Team News
Real Madrid will be without Trent Alexander-Arnold (thigh), Eder Militao (hamstring), Brahim Diaz (AFCON), and Ferland Mendy (hamstring). Antonio Rudiger (knee) will be assessed late. Jude Bellingham, Thibaut Courtois, Alvaro Carreras, Kylian Mbappe, and Aurelien Tchouameni are all set to return. Rodrygo is ruled out. Dani Carvajal could start at right-back.
Levante will miss Roger Brugue (knee), Unai Elgezabal (knee), and Victor Garcia (hamstring), but striker Etta Eyong and Ivan Romero are expected to start.
Possible Lineups
Real Madrid: Courtois; Carvajal, Asencio, Huijsen, Carreras; Valverde, Tchouameni, Bellingham; Guler, Mbappe, Vinicius
Levante: Ryan; Toljan, De la Fuente, Moreno, Pampin; Martinez, Arriaga; Eyong, Alvarez, Losada; Romero
Prediction
Real Madrid are tipped to respond strongly at home. Major platforms like Marca and Sports Mole predict a 3-1 victory for Arbeloa’s side, with Levante expected to cause brief trouble but ultimately falling to Madrid’s firepower.
Where to watch
| Region | Broadcaster |
| All countries | Premier sport website and amazon prime video |
