Arbeloa hunts first win against Levante as Madrid aim to close four-point gap on Barcelona | OneFootball

Real Madrid will look to return to winning ways on Saturday when they face Levante in La Liga, with the league now carrying added importance following a turbulent start to the year.

Los Blancos come into the fixture after consecutive defeats, a sequence that has already resulted in the loss of two trophy opportunities and the departure of Xabi Alonso from the head coach role.

Alvaro Arbeloa has been placed in interim charge, but his first match ended in disappointment as Madrid were knocked out of the Copa del Rey by second-tier Albacete.

That defeat followed their 3-2 loss to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final, meaning Madrid have exited two competitions in quick succession.

Regardless of context, back-to-back defeats rarely go unchecked at the Bernabéu, and Arbeloa now faces immediate pressure to stabilise results.

The focus therefore shifts firmly to La Liga, where Real Madrid sit second in the table, four points behind leaders Barcelona.

With the title race still open, the league represents Madrid’s most realistic route to silverware in the short term and a chance to restore authority.

Madrid’s home form provides some reassurance, having won eight of their nine league matches at the Bernabeu this season.

However, recent performances have highlighted issues in defensive concentration and control, particularly when games become unsettled.

Levante arrive in Madrid in the relegation zone but with renewed belief following an upturn in form.

The visitors are unbeaten in their last three league matches, recording a notable win over Sevilla and drawing against Real Sociedad and Espanyol.

Since Luis Castro’s appointment in December, Levante have looked more organised and competitive, picking up four points from his first two matches in charge.

Their away record also offers encouragement, with the majority of their points this season coming on the road.

Historically, this fixture has often favoured Real Madrid heavily, though Levante have shown in the past that they can exploit moments of instability.

Given the current uncertainty surrounding Madrid, Levante are unlikely to approach the match defensively from the outset.

For Arbeloa, this game represents an early test of his ability to manage both expectation and response. A controlled performance and result are required to halt further scrutiny.

Real Madrid are expected to dominate possession, but patience and structure will be essential. Anything less than a win would deepen concern at a time when calm is already in short supply.