An unusual hat trick: Real Madrid player plays three games in 26 hours

Real Madrid winger Álvaro Leiva experienced a weekend few professional footballers could imagine. He watched Álvaro Arbeloa’s first team secure a 2-0 win over Levante from the bench on Saturday, then played 45 minutes for Madrid’s C team hours later. The youngster was then called up by Real Madrid Castilla on Sunday. A total of 26 hours of nonstop action.

From his first call-up with the senior squad to trying to rescue Madrid C, and then joining Castilla, Leiva went from the Santiago Bernabéu to the Estadio Alfredo Di Stéfano, with a quick stop at Valdebebas’ Field 7. It was a whirlwind condensed into just over a day.

From first Bernabéu call-up to C team substitute

Leiva was on hand for Álvaro Arbeloa’s debut at the Bernabéu. He didn’t get off the bench, but wearing the No. 46 jersey for the first team is a moment he won’t forget. After Madrid’s win, where stars like Mbappé and Asensio shone and Güler orchestrated the midfield, Leiva rushed to change kits and be the protagonist himself.

By 4 p.m. he had been at the Bernabéu, by 6:38 p.m. he was on Field 7 at Valdebebas helping Madrid C, and by Sunday evening he was on the bench for Castilla as they hosted Mérida. LaLiga, Primera Federación, and Segunda RFEF all within 26 hours.

Who is Álvaro Leiva?

Leiva’s journey this season has been a roller coaster: rise, fall, rise, fall. After returning from a loan at Algeciras, he flirted with leaving Madrid in the summer but ultimately stayed at La Fábrica, the club’s youth academy. Initially slated for Castilla, he ended up with Madrid C, gradually regaining his status, earning his first senior call-up, and moments later rushing to save the C team.

Youngster unable to rescue Madrid C

Madrid C needed every bit of help. They opened the scoring under new coach Víctor Cea with Jacobo Ortega’s goal, but Solsona’s brace before halftime flipped the match. Cea, looking to steady the ship, turned to Leiva, who had faced a similar situation this season. On November 29, he had come off the bench for Castilla but was sent off. Just 22 hours later, he donned the hero’s cape for Madrid C, helping secure a 3-3 draw.

Leiva tried everything, constantly looking to break through - his signature style - but unlike November, this time the miracle didn’t happen. Carlos’ red card made the uphill battle even steeper, and Madrid C’s push left them vulnerable. The match ended in a 3-1 defeat, leaving the third team in a precarious position.

Still going strong 26 hours later

To cap off a chaotic weekend, Leiva will sit on the Castilla bench awaiting his opportunity, marking his ninth appearance of the season for the first reserve team. Just 26 hours after leaving the Bernabéu bench, Leiva will have already participated in his third match of the weekend.