Levante vs Real Madrid

<div> <h3>Levante vs Real Madrid: Leaders look to extend flawless start</h3> <p>Real Madrid arrive in Valencia as unbeaten league leaders after five wins from five, brimming with confidence under Xabi Alonso and powered by Kylian Mbappé’s blistering start. Levante, newly buoyed by their first victory of the campaign (a 4–0 away statement at Girona), now face their sternest home test of the season.</p> <h3>Form and momentum</h3> <p>Madrid’s form has been imperious: 15 points, three clean sheets and multiple weapons in attack. Mbappé has five league goals and already looks fully integrated alongside Vinícius Júnior and Arda Güler. Levante’s early-season turbulence (one win, one draw, three defeats) was eased by that emphatic win at Girona, with Iván Romero (3G) and Etta Eyong (2G) giving them a puncher’s chance in transition.</p> <h3>Tactical outlook</h3> <p>Levante’s home matches have followed a distinctive pattern: furious starts but second-half unraveling. They’ve scored first at home 100% of the time and even led at half-time in both fixtures, yet failed to win either (2–3 vs Barcelona, 2–2 vs Betis). The numbers are stark: 0 goals scored and 4 conceded after the break at home. That dovetails with Madrid’s strength: control, depth, and late acceleration. Madrid have led at half-time in both away matches and have not trailed on their travels yet.</p> <p>With Antonio Rüdiger and Ferland Mendy sidelined, Madrid’s back line isn’t at full strength, but Aurélien Tchouaméni’s screening and Eder Militão’s form have limited danger in open play. Expect Madrid to press the Levante full-backs, especially targeting the side of Jeremy Toljan, who is adventurous and influential (1G, 2A), but leaves space for Vinícius to exploit. Bellingham’s advanced positioning between the lines helps pin back Levante’s double pivot and keeps Mbappé supplied on early diagonals.</p> <h3>Key battles</h3> <ul> <li>Mbappé vs Levante’s centre-backs: pace mismatch, runs across the line and into half-spaces.</li> <li>Vinícius vs Toljan/Sánchez: Madrid’s left vs Levante’s right side could decide territorial control.</li> <li>Romero/Eyong in transition vs Militao/Huijsen: Levante’s best route is early counters before Madrid settle.</li> </ul> <h3>Data-driven betting insights</h3> <p>Totals lean over: Levante home matches average 4.5 goals; Madrid’s away matches have both gone over 2.5. Combined, Real Madrid to win with over 2.5 goals is well-supported by both teams’ early-season profiles. The second half should favor Madrid strongly given Levante’s post-interval drop-off and Madrid’s bench impact. BTTS remains live: Levante have scored in both home games and Madrid’s defensive absences open a window for an early home punch.</p> <h3>Projected lineups</h3> <p><strong>Levante (4-4-2):</strong> Ryan; Toljan, Elgezabal, Moreno, Sánchez; Álvarez, Rey (Vencedor expected), Brugué; Eyong, Iván Romero.</p> <p><strong>Real Madrid (4-2-3-1):</strong> Courtois; Carvajal, Militão, Huijsen, Carreras; Valverde, Tchouaméni; Mastantuono, Bellingham, Vinícius; Mbappé.</p> <h3>Weather and context</h3> <p>Clear and mild conditions in Valencia should support a high-tempo contest without weather interference—good news for Madrid’s fast transitions and Levante’s willingness to break early.</p> <h3>Verdict</h3> <p>Levante can trouble Madrid early, but sustaining it for 90 minutes has been their Achilles’ heel. With Mbappé in top gear and Madrid’s lead-defending elite, the league leaders should come through. Expect an entertaining, high-event match with Madrid’s quality telling after the interval.</p> <h3>Best bets</h3> <ul> <li>Real Madrid & Over 2.5 (1.77)</li> <li>Second Half Winner – Real Madrid (1.62)</li> <li>Over 3.5 Goals (2.15)</li> <li>Both Teams To Score – Yes (1.70)</li> </ul> </div>