Real Madrid climbed to just one point behind La Liga leaders Barcelona with a 2-0 victory against Levante on a day marred by fan protests at the Bernabeu.
Supporters of Madrid waved white handkerchiefs prior to the match and directed their boos and whistles towards players, especially Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr., and Federico Valverde, along with the club’s management.
Alvaro Arbeloa, who took over as manager from Xabi Alonso on Monday, faced scrutiny during the match, but goals from Kylian Mbappe and Raul Asencio in the second half secured victory for the 15-time European Cup champions after a challenging week.
Following a humiliating loss in the Copa del Rey to second-tier team Albacete on Wednesday, Arbeloa reinstated Mbappe and Bellingham in the starting lineup for his inaugural La Liga match as coach.
The discontent among fans became apparent in the first 10 minutes when Bellingham faced boos from the crowd despite pushing his team forward.
Following just a single shot on target during the first half, Arbeloa rearranged his lineup at halftime and brought in Arda Guler and Franco Mastantuono for the second half.
In the 58th minute, Mbappe scored the opening goal from the penalty spot after being fouled by Adrian de la Fuente.
The Frenchman, currently the leading scorer in La Liga with 19 goals this season, was among a few players, along with 21-year-old forward Gonzalo Garcia, who were not booed by Real fans on Saturday.
Defender Asencio scored a second for the home team seven minutes later, rising above all to head in Guler’s corner.
Real will play again on Tuesday as they welcome Monaco in the Champions League.
