Kylian Mbappe once again came to Real Madrid’s rescue against Levante, sparing the Blancos from a damaging result as frustrations brewed around Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr.
Madrid started brightly but quickly slipped into the kind of slow, loose rhythm that has irritated supporters at the Bernabeu this season. Levante grew into the game, defended with discipline and found ways to ask questions on the break, while Madrid’s play in the final third lacked sharpness.
It was Mbappe who provided the solution when Madrid needed it most. The France star delivered the decisive moment to drag Carlo Ancelotti’s side back on course, continuing a trend of being the difference-maker when the team’s overall level drops.
Bellingham and Vinicius, meanwhile, both had stretches where they looked capable of taking control, yet neither consistently imposed himself. Their performances, full of effort but short on end product at key times, reflected the mood that has led to boos in recent weeks whenever Madrid’s standards dip.
Levante stayed in the contest for long periods and made Madrid work for every opening, but Mbappe’s impact proved decisive again. Real Madrid ultimately got what they needed from the night, even if the performance left plenty to discuss.
