Real Madrid-4 Dominate Levante-1 Victory to Maintain Perfect La Liga Start

Published: 24 September 2025. The English Chronicle Desk

Real Madrid continued their flawless start to the 2025–26 La Liga season with a commanding 4-1 triumph over Levante at the Estadi Ciutat de València on Tuesday, reinforcing their position at the summit of Spanish football. The victory was marked by a scintillating first-half display orchestrated by Vinícius Júnior and a clinical second-half performance led by Kylian Mbappé, including a memorable Panenka penalty.

From the outset, Xabi Alonso’s side demonstrated their intent, combining fluid passing with rapid transitions that kept the home team on the back foot. The breakthrough came in the 28th minute when Vinícius Júnior, the Brazilian winger known for his explosive pace and technical flair, unleashed a sublime strike with the outside of his boot that left Levante goalkeeper Mat Ryan rooted to the spot. The opener exemplified both his individual brilliance and Real Madrid’s attacking cohesion, setting the tone for the remainder of the match.

Madrid’s dominance continued, and just 11 minutes after the opener, Vinícius once again played a decisive role, this time as a creator. The winger threaded a perfectly timed pass to new signing Franco Mastantuono, who made no mistake from close range to double the visitors’ lead. The goal not only highlighted Madrid’s seamless integration of fresh talent but also underscored Vinícius’s growing influence as both a scorer and a playmaker.

Levante briefly threatened a response midway through the second half, when Etta Eyong rose above the Madrid defense to head home in the 54th minute. The goal offered a glimmer of hope to the home supporters and suggested that a comeback might be on the cards. However, any momentum the hosts gained was swiftly quelled by Mbappé’s brilliance. Nine minutes after conceding, the France international restored Madrid’s two-goal cushion, calmly converting a Panenka penalty awarded following a rash challenge by Levante’s Unai Elgezabal. The audacious spot-kick not only demonstrated Mbappé’s confidence but also symbolized Madrid’s unshakable self-belief.

Mbappé would go on to score his second of the evening after rounding Ryan and slotting home from a precise Arda Guler pass, effectively sealing the comprehensive victory. The France forward’s performance, coupled with Vinícius’s influence, illustrated the potency of Real Madrid’s attacking trident, a combination that has proven difficult for opponents to contain so far this season.

The win extends Real Madrid’s unbeaten run to six games in La Liga, placing them firmly at the top of the table with 18 points. Their consistent performances have stretched the gap over defending champions Barcelona to five points, ahead of the Catalan side’s upcoming trip to Real Oviedo on Thursday. Xabi Alonso’s men have not only impressed with their results but also with the style and fluidity of play, combining defensive solidity with attacking creativity, and demonstrating their title credentials early in the campaign.

In contrast, Levante’s struggles continue. The Valencian side remain in 16th place with just four points from six matches, reflecting ongoing challenges in both attack and defense. Despite sporadic moments of promise, including Eyong’s header, Levante were largely unable to cope with Madrid’s relentless pressing and incisive transitions. The defeat leaves head coach under pressure to galvanize his squad ahead of their next fixtures as they seek to climb the league standings.

Tactically, the match showcased Real Madrid’s versatility. Vinícius Júnior’s role extended beyond that of a traditional winger, as he frequently cut inside to link up with midfielders and forwards, creating overloads and opening spaces for runners such as Mastantuono and Mbappé. Xabi Alonso’s instructions were evident: maintain high intensity, control possession, and exploit Levante’s defensive gaps. The second-half dominance, particularly following the brief concession, reflected the team’s mental fortitude and depth, with substitutes and rotation options seamlessly integrated into the match plan.

For Levante, the contest highlighted areas requiring urgent attention. Defensively, the inability to contain wide threats and control aerial duels proved costly, while moments of hesitation in midfield allowed Madrid to dictate the tempo. Offensively, the side showed flashes of creativity, but these were too sporadic to significantly challenge the visitors. The home team will need to address these issues if they hope to avoid a slide further down the table and compete more effectively against Spain’s elite clubs.

The result also emphasizes the emerging significance of Vinícius Júnior and Mbappé in Real Madrid’s campaign. Vinícius has demonstrated remarkable consistency, blending technical skill with incisive decision-making, while Mbappé’s composure in high-pressure moments, particularly his penalty, underscores his growing leadership within the squad. Together, they provide Alonso with a combination of pace, creativity, and clinical finishing that is already proving decisive in tight matches.

As the season progresses, Real Madrid will be expected to maintain this momentum, balancing domestic ambitions with European competition. Tuesday’s performance serves as a reminder of the squad’s quality, depth, and cohesion—a statement to rivals that Madrid’s intent is unwavering. For Levante, the focus will shift to recovery and strategic adjustments, seeking stability as they aim to navigate the challenges of La Liga’s competitive environment.

In summary, Real Madrid’s 4-1 victory over Levante not only reinforces their early-season dominance but also highlights the individual brilliance and collective coordination that make them formidable opponents. Vinícius Júnior and Mbappé once again demonstrated why they are central to the team’s success, while Mastantuono’s contribution signaled a promising adaptation for the new recruit. As La Liga’s season unfolds, both teams face contrasting paths: one seeking to consolidate supremacy, the other striving for resurgence.