Arbeloa hunts first win against Levante as Madrid aim to close four-point gap on Barcelona

Real Madrid will look to return to winning ways on Saturday when they face Levante in La Liga.

Los Blancos head into the fixture after consecutive defeats, a sequence that resulted in the loss of two trophy opportunities and the departure of manager Xabi Alonso.

Alvaro Arbeloa has been placed in interim charge, but his first match ended in disappointment as Madrid were knocked out of the Copa del Rey by second-tier Albacete.

That defeat followed their 3-2 loss to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final, meaning Madrid have exited two competitions in quick succession.

Regardless of context, back-to-back defeats rarely go unchecked at Madrid, and Arbeloa now faces immediate pressure to turn things around.

The focus shifts firmly to La Liga, where Madrid are four points behind leaders Barcelona.

With the title race still open, the league represents Madrid’s most realistic route to silverware in the short term.

Madrid’s home form provides some reassurance, having won eight of their nine league matches at the Bernabeu Stadium this season.

However, recent performances have highlighted issues in defensive concentration and control, particularly when games become unsettled.

Levante arrive in Madrid in the relegation zone but with renewed belief following an upturn in form.

The visitors are unbeaten in their last three league matches, recording a notable win over Sevilla and drawing against Real Sociedad and Espanyol.

Since Luis Castro’s appointment in December, Levante have looked more organised and competitive, picking up four points from his first two matches in charge.

Their away record also offers encouragement, with the majority of their points this season coming on the road.

Historically, this fixture has heavily favoured Madrid, although Levante have shown they can exploit moments of instability.

Given the current uncertainty surrounding Madrid, Levante are unlikely to approach the match defensively from the outset.