Madrid Respond After the Break to Beat Levante at Bernabeu

Real Madrid kept their title challenge alive with a controlled 2-0 win over Levante in LaLiga Round 20, producing a much-improved second-half display after a frustrating opening 45 minutes.

The hosts struggled to impose themselves before the break, drawing whistles from sections of the home support as Levante defended bravely and even threatened from set pieces. Madrid lacked tempo and penetration, with Mbappe the lone bright spark in an otherwise flat first-half performance.

Everything changed after the interval following the introductions of Arda Guler and Franco Mastantuono. Madrid emerged with renewed urgency and were soon rewarded in the 58th minute when Mbappe used his pace to win a penalty before calmly converting from the spot to break the deadlock.

The goal lifted the mood inside the stadium and seven minutes later, Madrid struck again. Guler delivered a pinpoint corner that Raul Asencio met with a powerful header, doubling the lead and effectively ending the contest.

From that point on, it was largely one-way traffic. Madrid pushed for a third through Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior, but Levante goalkeeper Mathew Ryan produced an outstanding display, making nine saves to keep the scoreline respectable.

Levante faded as the second half wore on and finished the match with little attacking threat, while Madrid managed the closing stages with composure to secure a much-needed clean sheet.

The victory leaves Real Madrid just one point behind Barcelona at the top of LaLiga, offering some relief after a turbulent week. Levante remain 19th and deeply entrenched in the relegation battle as the season enters a decisive phase.