Real Madrid extended their winning streak to seven matches across all competitions, securing a clinical 4-1 victory over newly-promoted Levante to maintain their perfect start to the La Liga season. Despite manager Xabi Alonso heavily rotating his squad ahead of the upcoming Madrid derby, the star power of Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé, who each recorded a goal and an assist, proved far too much for the hosts.
The victory ensures Los Blancos remain firmly atop the La Liga standings as they continue their flawless run under their new manager.
Vinícius Júnior inspires first-half lead
Despite a bright start from Levante, who tested Madrid’s makeshift backline in the opening stages, it felt like only a matter of time until the visitors found the breakthrough. While much of this season has been the Kylian Mbappé show, it was Vinícius Júnior who took center stage in the first half. The Brazilian international opened the scoring in the 28th minute with a sensational trivela goal.
Ten minutes later, Vinícius was at the heart of the action again, this time on a blistering counter-attack. The winger burst forward before playing a brilliant ball to Franco Mastantuono on the right flank, who smashed home his first goal in a white shirt to give Madrid a comfortable 2-0 lead at the break.
Mbappé’s quick-fire brace ends the contest
Real Madrid‘s lack of urgency at the start of the second half allowed Levante a route back into the game, with Karl Etta Eyong scoring a header near the hour-mark. However, the hosts could only keep Mbappé off the scoresheet for so long. After a quiet first half, the Frenchman exploded into life, bagging a brace in the span of just two minutes to kill the contest. His first came from the penalty spot after he was fouled in the area. His second, and Madrid’s fourth, was a clinical finish after he dribbled around the goalkeeper following an inch-perfect through ball from Arda Güler.
This was a performance that showcased the incredible depth of the Real Madrid squad. Alonso’s ability to heavily rotate his side and still secure such a comfortable victory is a testament to the quality at his disposal and sends a powerful message to their La Liga rivals.