Real Madrid 2–0 Levante: Mbappe reaches landmark as Madrid close gap on Barcelona

Real Madrid beat Levante 2–0 at the Bernabeu Stadium on Saturday, giving Alberto Arbeloa his first win as manager.

Karl Etta Eyong missed a good chance to give Levante the lead inside the first minute as he fired wide from inside the area.

Madrid’s first real opening came after the half-hour mark, with Raul Asencio’s long pass finding Kylian Mbappe. He broke through on goal but could not get a shot away.

Levante finished the first half with better momentum. Pablo Martinez blasted an effort wide of the post before Kareem Tunde rifled a shot over the bar.

Martinez was then presented with an opportunity from a free-kick in a promising position, but he could not trouble Thibaut Courtois.

Madrid started the second half with more attacking intent and finally got their first shot on target, when Mbappe’s effort was saved by Mathew Ryan.

Moments later, the hosts were awarded a penalty after Mbappe was brought down in the area. The Frenchman stepped up to convert, sending Ryan the wrong way.

Mbappe has now netted 50 goals in 53 La Liga matches, making him the second-fastest player to reach the milestone in the 21st century, alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.

Asencio doubled Madrid’s lead in the 65th minute, rising the highest to power Arder Guler’s corner home, leaving Ryan rooted to the spot.

Madrid created several openings to extend their advantage. Franco Mastantuono’s long-range effort hit the woodwork before Ryan saved Jude Bellingham’s header from close range.

Madrid have reduced the gap on league leaders Barcelona to one point. Hansi Flick’s side face Real Sociedad on Sunday.