Real Madrid Weather Bernabeu Jeers for Arbeloas Debut Triumph
Frustrated supporters at Real Madrid booed their side before the team clinched a 2-0 La Liga victory over Levante on Saturday, marking new manager Alvaro Arbeloas initial success in charge.
Following his appointment in place of Xabi Alonso, Arbeloas first match resulted in an embarrassing Copa del Rey loss to second-division Albacete earlier in the week, yet goals from Kylian Mbappe and Raul Asencio in the latter period earned crucial points at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The result narrowed the deficit to table-toppers Barcelona to just one point ahead of the Spanish champions trip to Real Sociedad on Sunday.
Key figures Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham faced the brunt of the crowds displeasure after a tough week, while Mbappe, who started, avoided the criticism.
The French striker is slated to feature in next weeks Champions League clash with Monaco as he continues his comeback from a knee injury.
"This match held great significance, especially with our supporters watching, and we aimed to reverse the recent fortunes," Asencio shared with Real Madrid TV.
"The Albacete result was unacceptable, we carried that responsibility and sought to improve things.
"The squad performed well, particularly after the interval."
Coinciding with Arbeloas 43rd birthday, the win provided cause for celebration despite a lacklustre opening 45 minutes from his players.
The atmosphere in the stands contrasted sharply, with many attendees voicing their discontent over the teams current form.
In a turbulent period, the club suffered a Spanish Super Cup final defeat to Barcelona in Saudi Arabia on Sunday, dismissed Alonso on Monday, and exited the cup competition on Wednesday.
A portion of the fans also called for president Florentino Perezs departure amid the tense mood in Madrid.
Mbappe, who seemed uncomfortable during the warm-up following a clash with teammate Dean Huijsen, created the standout opportunity in a subdued first half against the leagues 19th-placed side.
Latching onto a lofted pass, the forward unleashed a volley that sailed past the upright.
Progress Made
The home crowd expressed their frustration at half-time, prompting Madrid to show greater urgency upon returning, as Arbeloa introduced Franco Mastantuono and Arda Guler.
Mbappe won a penalty after being fouled by Adrian de la Fuente in the box, coolly converting it for his 19th goal in the league this season.
Across 53 La Liga outings, Mbappe has netted 50 times, surpassing Real Madrids record scorer Cristiano Ronaldo only slightly in reaching that mark, with the Portuguese achieving it in 51 games.
Asencio extended the lead by heading in from Gulers corner to the top corner, allowing the home side to dominate proceedings.
Bellingham nearly made it three, but Mathew Ryan denied his header from Fede Valverdes delivery, later saving a shot from Vinicius after the wingers quick break.
Ryan again foiled Bellingham late on as the atmosphere eased, with the supporters momentarily appeased by the result. Without further progress, however, the disapproval is likely to resurface.