Real Madrid‘s next test in La Liga sees them face off with newly-promoted Levante for the first time in three years on Tuesday evening. While Xabi Alonso’s men are focused on maintaining their perfect start to the 2025-26 season, their hosts are desperate to build on their first victory of the campaign and cause a major upset against the league leaders.
Los Blancos enter the fixture with a perfect record, having won all six of their matches across all competitions so far. In contrast, Levante have struggled to find their footing upon their return to the top flight, with their only win of the season coming against a nine-man Girona side. Despite Levante’s past successes against Madrid, Xabi Alonso’s men are the heavy favorites, especially given the current unstoppable form of Kylian Mbappé.
Team news and lineups
The hosts have a clean bill of health ahead of Tuesday’s clash, leaving manager Julián Calero free to deploy his strongest XI. Much of their hope will rest on new signing Karl Etta Eyong, who has been a bright spot with an impressive three goals and three assists so far this season.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, are still without the injured defensive trio of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ferland Mendy, and Antonio Rüdiger. However, their defensive crisis has been eased by the return of Dean Huijsen from suspension. Further boosts come from the availability of Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga, who both returned from lengthy injuries at the weekend. Endrick is also back with the team, providing another option off the bench.
Levante predicted lineup (4-3-3): Ryan; Toljan, Elgezabal, Moreno, Sánchez; Vencedor, Olasagasti, Rey; Álvarez, Romero, Etta Eyong.
Real Madrid predicted lineup vs. Levante (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Carvajal, Asencio, Huijsen, Carreras; Valverde, Tchouaméni; Díaz, Güler, Vinícius Júnior; Mbappé.
Score prediction
Levante, a team whose only win this season came against nine men, simply do not appear to have enough quality to secure a positive result against the league leaders. Their backline, which has already conceded nine goals in five matches, will likely struggle to contain an in-form Kylian Mbappé. The return of Dean Huijsen should also boost Madrid’s chances of securing a clean sheet. While the home crowd will create a difficult atmosphere, the gulf in quality between the two sides is immense.
Prediction: Levante 0–3 Real Madrid