Real Madrid Beat Levante 4-1 in Dominant La Liga Display

First Half Sets the Tone

Vinícius Júnior opened the scoring in the 28th minute with one of those goals that makes you remember why he’s so exciting to watch. The Brazilian winger capped off a sweeping team move, finding just enough space in the penalty area to slot past Levante goalkeeper Andrés Fernández.

Then came the surprise of the evening. Ten minutes later, 17-year-old Franco Mastantuono doubled the advantage with a finish that honestly looked like it came from someone twice his age. The Argentine teenager, making just his third La Liga start, struck cleanly from the edge of the box. You could almost feel Carlo Ancelotti smiling on the touchline.

Madrid pretty much owned the ball in that first half, holding 68% possession and creating seven decent chances compared to Levante’s rather modest two attempts. It was the kind of performance that suggests this team might be finding its rhythm.

Levante’s Moment and Madrid’s Answer

Levante did show some fight after the break, which was probably inevitable. Etta Eyong pulled one back in the 54th minute, capitalizing on what appeared to be a rare defensive lapse from Madrid. The Cameroonian striker converted from close range, and suddenly the home crowd of 22,000 had something to cheer about.

“We knew they would come out stronger in the second half,” Ancelotti said during his post-match press conference. “The important thing was how we responded to their goal.”

Kylian Mbappé provided that response, though it took him a while to get going. The French striker had been unusually quiet for most of the evening, you know, by his standards. But he came alive in the closing stages like he often does. His first goal arrived in the 78th minute, one of those trademark runs and finishes that remind you why PSG was so reluctant to let him go.

Mbappé wrapped things up with his second in the 85th minute, converting after some excellent work from substitute Rodrygo down the right. Game over.

What This All Means

This Real Madrid victory marks their fourth successive away league win for the first time since May 2024, which suggests Ancelotti’s tactical tweaks might actually be working. The Italian coach seems to have found a way to keep the team’s attacking threat while tightening things up defensively.

Levante’s struggles, unfortunately, continue. They’re stuck in 16th position after this defeat, and the numbers don’t lie, just one victory in their last 10 home meetings with Madrid. Two draws, seven losses. That’s the kind of record that keeps coaches awake at night.

What’s particularly worrying for Levante is that they’ve now played one more game than the three teams directly below them in the relegation zone. Coach Luis García Plaza needs to find answers quickly, or this season could get very uncomfortable.

The Youth Factor

Ancelotti’s decision to start Mastantuono alongside established stars was either brave or calculated, probably both. The teenager’s goal makes him the youngest Argentine to score for Real Madrid in La Liga since Gonzalo Higuaín back in 2007. That’s quite a stat.

“Franco showed great maturity tonight,” Ancelotti noted afterward. “These experiences against quality opposition will help his development significantly.”

The victory also highlighted Madrid’s squad depth. Players like Luka Modrić and Eduardo Camavinga made meaningful contributions from the bench during the second half, which is exactly what you need for a long season.