Álvaro Arbeloa will make his LaLiga managerial debut for Real Madrid at the Bernabéu this weekend. The start for the new coach has been rocky: he stepped in after his friend Xabi Alonso was recently dismissed, and his first match ended in a Copa del Rey exit to second-division Albacete.
In just a few days, Madrid has already dropped two trophies - the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup - and now must focus on the two competitions still within reach: LaLiga and the Champions League.
In LaLiga, Madrid sits four points behind Barcelona and has a key chance this Saturday to put pressure on their rivals by beating Levante at home. The atmosphere will be tense, as it remains unclear how the Bernabéu faithful will react after the team’s recent setbacks.
Courtois returns in goal
Arbeloa will rely on his strongest options to secure the three points. In goal, there’s one change: Lunin out, Thibaut Courtois in. The Belgian keeper was central to Xabi Alonso’s plans and will be just as crucial for Arbeloa.
On defense, David Jiménez is expected at right-back, as Dani Carvajal is returning slowly from a long-term injury and the staff don’t want to risk him. In the center, Asencio and Huijsen are the two available options, with Alaba on the bench after limited action against Albacete. On the left, Carreras returns.
Major midfield changes
The midfield lineup will see the biggest shake-up. Tchouameni and Bellingham, who rested against Albacete, are set to start alongside Valverde. Güler will be on the bench, though he could slot into the attack if Arbeloa wants more creativity from the right side.
Will Mbappé start against Levante?
The right side of the attack will likely belong to Mastantuono. The Argentine drew criticism in the Copa del Rey despite scoring and will aim to prove that Madrid’s €60 million investment was justified. On the left, Vinicius remains the undisputed starter. Up front, Gonzalo is expected to lead the line, with Kylian Mbappé available off the bench. The French star is not fully fit, so Arbeloa is unlikely to risk him from the start, keeping him as a second-half option.
Predicted Real Madrid lineup vs. Levante
Courtois; David Jiménez, Asencio, Huijsen, Carreras; Valverde, Tchouameni, Bellingham; Mastantuono, Gonzalo, Vinicius.