Real Madrid endured a hostile atmosphere at the Santiago Bernabeu before steadying themselves to secure a crucial 2-0 La Liga victory over Levante on Saturday. Disgruntled home fans made their frustration clear even before kickoff, jeering, booing, and waving white handkerchiefs in protest following a turbulent week for the club.

The anger stemmed from consecutive defeats and a sudden managerial shake-up. Madrid had sacked head coach Xabi Alonso after losing the Spanish Super Cup final to Barcelona, only to then suffer an embarrassing Copa del Rey defeat against a second-division side in the first match under his successor.

Newly appointed coach Álvaro Arbeloa, promoted from the club’s B team, faced immense pressure heading into the Levante clash. Another slip, especially at home against a side battling relegation, could have further inflamed tensions.

Nervy First Half Under Hostile Stands

Despite Madrid’s superior pedigree, Levante matched the hosts for much of the first half. The visitors were organized and bold, refusing to sit back as Madrid struggled to impose themselves amid the toxic atmosphere in the stands. Chances were limited, and whistles frequently echoed around the Bernabeu whenever moves broke down.

Madrid’s breakthrough finally arrived in the 58th minute. Kylian Mbappé, restored to the starting lineup after recovering from a left knee sprain, was brought down in the box by Adrián de la Fuente. Mbappé calmly converted the resulting penalty, easing the tension and sparking visible relief among players and supporters alike.

Asencio Seals the Win

Just seven minutes later, Madrid doubled their lead. Raúl Asencio rose highest to power home a header from a corner delivered by Arda Güler. The goal effectively settled the contest and finally quieted the protests inside the stadium.

“It was important to win today,” Arbeloa said after the match. “We knew where we were coming from. It had been a very difficult week, and the only way to respond was with a win in front of our fans.”

Key Players Return as Madrid Regain Stability

The match also marked the return of several regular starters. Jude Bellingham was back in the lineup after being left out of the Copa del Rey loss at Albacete, a decision that had raised eyebrows earlier in the week. Arbeloa opted for experience and stability this time, a move that ultimately paid off.

Mbappé, who had featured in only one of Madrid’s previous four matches, looked sharp and decisive on his return, underlining his importance during a turbulent phase for the club.

Title Race Tightens Again

Despite their recent struggles, the victory allowed Real Madrid to close within one point of league leaders Barcelona, who are set to visit Real Sociedad on Sunday. While questions remain about Madrid’s consistency and the sudden coaching change, the result offered a much-needed boost and a brief respite from the storm.

For now, Madrid have steadied the ship—but the reaction from their fans made it clear that patience is wearing thin, and performances like this will be expected rather than celebrated.