Match Preview

Real Madrid make the trip to the Ciutat de València to face off against Levante on Saturday. This is ahead of a tough week for Los Blancos, a week where they will have to face off against both Manchester City and Barcelona.

But first, Real get a rematch with Levante on the road to start the weekend. These two clubs met back in September where Real Madrid took a 3-2 home victory.

Levante haven’t had the best of seasons so far. They sit 13th in the La Liga table and have lost five of their last six league matches. On the contrary, they have also won four of their last six matches at home.

Real will see former striker Borja Mayoral again this match. Mayoral scored in the last match between these clubs.

Real will be looking to bounce back from last weekend’s match with Celta. Even though it finished a draw, conceding such a late goal certainly left a bad taste in everyone’s mouths. And, getting three points will start this next week off at least on the right foot.

Injuries/Suspensions

Real Madrid released their squad and have not made Gareth Bale, Rodrygo, Luka Jovic, Brahim or Nacho available for this road trip. James is back in the available squad.

Levante will be without several players as well including: Rober Pier, Ivan Lopez and Hernani. Rubén Rochina is also a doubt.

There are no suspensions for either club for this match.

Potential XIs

Levante

Aitor; Miramón, Postigo, Vezo, Toño; Morales, Campaña, Vukčević, Bardhi; Mayoral, Roger

Real Madrid

Courtois; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Mendy; Valverde, Casemiro, Kroos; Isco, Hazard, Benzema

Zidane has a decision to make at left back. Marcelo was fairly poor defensively against Celta last weekend. Mendy was starting to become a regular starter in La Liga and looked good doing so.

With no Rodrygo or Bale, Zidane also has a decision to make in their absences. He can start Isco behind Hazard and Benzema up top. Or, he could give the start to Vinicius on the right, though he has never really looked good on that side. Isco could really use the start since he has been very reliable this season when starting.

Prediction

Levante—Real Madrid 2-4

This could be an interesting match given how disappointing Real were last weekend. They really need to step their game up on Saturday. The backline was a particular weakness of theirs against Celta.

Levante have conceded as many goals as 19th-placed Leganes, only three teams have allowed more goals this season. But they have been good at home as of recent, so this is no sure victory.

Real will have to work hard on the road if they hope to secure the three points from this weekend. This is a better chance for them to do it now rather than El Clasico next weekend, which will be one of the most important matches this season given the standings.

Los Blancos also have the midweek match against Manchester City in the return of Champions League football. Needless to say, the coming week will be a hellish one.

But first, Real Madrid must find themselves back on their game on the road against Levante. They can’t afford to drop points again with Barcelona right on their heels. Saturday’s match in Valencia should indeed be a good one.