Honestly, if you just look at the scorelines, you’d think the Real Madrid vs Levante rivalry is a total mismatch. Most fans see "Real Madrid" and expect a cakewalk. But if you’ve actually sat through these games over the last few years, you know better. Levante is that one team that doesn't care about the trophies in Madrid's cabinet. They play like they’ve got a personal grudge.
Remember 2021? Levante actually waltzed into the Bernabéu and won 2-1. They did it again in 2018. It’s weird. It’s like they have a "giant-killer" switch that only flips when they see white shirts.
The Night Mbappe Took Over
The most recent clash on September 23, 2025, was a perfect example of how this fixture goes. Real Madrid won 4-1, but the score is kinda lying to you. For the first twenty minutes at the Estadio Ciudad de Valencia, Levante was all over them. Ivan Romero and Adrian de la Fuente missed sitters that would’ve changed the whole vibe.
Then, Vinícius Júnior decided he was bored. He scored this absolutely ridiculous trivela—poking the ball with the outside of his boot into the far corner. It was pure filth. A few minutes later, the new kid, Franco Mastantuono, bagged his first goal for the club. 2-0 at half-time. Game over, right?
Nope.
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Levante came out for the second half like they’d been insulted in the locker room. Karl Etta Eyong scored a header in the 54th minute, and suddenly the stadium was shaking. For about ten minutes, Real Madrid looked genuinely rattled.
Then Kylian Mbappé happened.
- The Panenka: Mbappé drew a penalty and, with the coolest nerves in the building, chipped it right down the middle. A Panenka in a tight game? That's just showing off.
- The Dagger: Two minutes later, Arda Güler (who is becoming a passing god, by the way) threaded a needle through the defense. Mbappé rounded the keeper and just tapped it in.
Why Does Levante Give Madrid Such a Hard Time?
It’s the style. Basically, Levante doesn't sit back and park the bus like other small teams. They attack through the middle and take a ton of shots. They play "chaos football."
Real Madrid, especially under Xabi Alonso, wants to control everything. They want high possession and tactical order. Levante thrives in the mess. Even in that 4-1 loss, Levante’s xG (expected goals) wasn't terrible. They create chances; they just don't have a 100-million-euro striker to finish them every time.
Historical Context You Might’ve Forgotten
- Cristiano’s Era: Ronaldo used to feast on Levante. He’s the top scorer in this fixture with 14 goals.
- The 8-0 Anomaly: Back in 2010, Madrid destroyed them 8-0 in the Copa del Rey. It was a bloodbath. Benzema and Ozil were just playing FIFA on easy mode that night.
- The 3-3 Thriller: In August 2021, we got a six-goal slugfest. Vini Jr. had to score a late equalizer just to save a point.
What This Means for 2026
Looking ahead, the gap in the table is huge. Real Madrid is currently fighting for the top spot, while Levante is scrapping in the bottom half. But table position means nothing when these two meet.
If you're betting on or watching the next Real Madrid vs Levante match, watch the wings. Levante struggles significantly defending wide attacks. That’s why Vini Jr. and Rodrygo usually have a field day even when the game is close. Also, keep an eye on set pieces. Real Madrid has become "extremely likely" to score from corners and free kicks lately, mostly because of the height they've added to the squad.
Real-World Insights for Fans
If you're following this matchup, don't just check the final score.
- Watch the First 15 Minutes: Levante almost always starts with a high press. If Madrid doesn't score early, the game stays ugly for a long time.
- Focus on the Midfield Pivot: When Dani Ceballos or Camavinga start instead of the usual vets, the game becomes way more end-to-end.
- The "Vini" Factor: Vinícius Júnior has scored seven times against Levante. He is their kryptonite.
The rivalry might not be a "Clásico," but it’s consistently one of the most entertaining tactical battles in La Liga. It’s a mix of elite individual skill vs. gritty, organized chaos.
Check the injury reports for the next meeting. If Jude Bellingham is fully fit, the "chaos" factor usually drops because he stabilizes the transition. If he's out, expect a wild ride. Keep an eye on the official La Liga schedule for the return leg at the Bernabéu, as Levante usually plays with even more "nothing to lose" energy when they travel to Madrid.