Arbeloa Secures First Win as Real Madrid Beat Levante 2-0

Arbeloa Starts Real Madrid Reign with Win Amid Fan Fury

Real Madrid claimed a 2-0 home win over Levante in Alvaro Arbeloa’s first La Liga match in charge, but the three points were overshadowed by fan unrest at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Supporters waved white handkerchiefs, whistled and booed players and president Florentino Perez before and during the match, with Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr, and Federico Valverde among the main targets.

Manager Arbeloa, appointed on Monday after replacing Xabi Alonso, acknowledged the discontent but defended the club’s leadership.

“I know where these chants come from – from people who don’t like Real Madrid,” said Arbeloa post-match. “Florentino Perez is the most important figure in the history of the club, alongside Santiago Bernabeu.”

Mbappe Breaks Deadlock, Asencio Seals Victory

After a flat first half in which Real managed just one shot on target, Arbeloa introduced Arda Guler and Franco Mastantuono to inject energy into the side.

In the 58th minute, Kylian Mbappe won and converted a penalty to put the hosts ahead. The Frenchman, now La Liga’s top scorer with 19 goals, was notably one of the few not targeted by boos from the home crowd.

Just seven minutes later, Raul Asencio powered in a header from a Guler corner to make it 2-0 and secure the win.

“It wasn’t a good week, and the fans have the right to express their anger,” Arbeloa added. “I don’t think booing at Vini will continue. I’ve been booed a lot too.”

Fan Backlash After Copa Exit

The tension in the Bernabeu stems from Real Madrid’s shocking Copa del Rey elimination to second-division side Albacete just days prior. That defeat led to growing calls for structural change and criticism of several key players.

Even Bellingham – who pushed Real forward during the early stages – was jeered within the first 10 minutes. The Englishman’s reception marked a clear shift in mood from the adulation he received earlier in the season.

What’s Next for Real Madrid?

The win brings Real within one point of La Liga leaders Barcelona, who play later in the week. Arbeloa and his squad now turn their attention to the Champions League, where they face Monaco at home on Tuesday.

Despite securing his first victory, Arbeloa knows the road ahead will be shaped as much by performances as by managing expectations and healing tensions within the fanbase.

“The demands of the Bernabeu crowd are high. But those demands push the players to give everything.”