Vinicius Junior Explodes Past Critics as Real Madrid Demolishes Levante 4-1: Player Ratings Inside
Real Madrid continued their impressive run of form, securing their seventh consecutive victory across all tournaments with a commanding 4–1 triumph over Levante.
Among just four clubs from Europe's premier divisions to achieve a flawless beginning to the 2025–26 campaign, Real Madrid traveled to Valencia determined to secure another three points, this time facing Levante. Xabi Alonso fielded a significantly rotated starting eleven to provide rest for players like Aurélien Tchouaméni, Dani Carvajal and Éder Militão before Saturday's Madrid derby.
The home side managed to compete well with Los Blancos initially, challenging Alonso's improvised defensive line and Thibaut Courtois during the match's early moments, though it seemed inevitable that Real Madrid would eventually break the deadlock.
While Kylian Mbappé has dominated headlines for Los Blancos this campaign, Vinícius Júnior stole the spotlight at the Estadi Ciutat de València. The Brazilian star delivered the opening goal for the away team in the 28th minute with a spectacular trivela strike.
Ten minutes following that breakthrough, Vinícius Júnior was once again instrumental in Real Madrid's attacking play, this time during a swift counter-attack. The winger surged forward with tremendous pace before delivering an exceptional pass to Franco Mastantuono, who found himself with plenty of space on the right wing. The Argentine youngster drove into the penalty area before thundering his maiden goal in the famous white jersey into the top corner.
Holding a comfortable 2–0 advantage, the Spanish powerhouse emerged for the second period without their usual intensity. Levante capitalized on Real Madrid's complacent approach and pulled one back through Karl Etta Eyong's header just before the hour mark.
However, Julián Calero's squad could only contain Mbappé for so long. Following a subdued opening 45 minutes, the French striker netted twice within a two-minute span.
Mbappé's opening strike of the evening arrived from the penalty spot following Unai Elgezabal's reckless tackle on the striker within the box. His second was orchestrated by Arda Güler, who delivered a perfectly weighted through ball into his path during a rapid counter-attack. Mbappé then skillfully rounded Levante keeper Mathew Ryan before converting his ninth goal of the campaign.
Real Madrid pursued a fifth goal during the final 25 minutes, but Alonso's team had to be content with their four-goal haul. The table-toppers concluded the match comfortably to maintain their perfect La Liga record.
Check out Real Madrid's player ratings from the victory below.
Real Madrid Player Ratings vs. Levante (4-2-3-1)
*Ratings provided by FotMob*
Position / Player | Ratings (Out of 10) |
|---|---|
GK: Thibaut Courtois | 6.7 |
RB: Raúl Asencio | 7.2 |
CB: Dean Huijsen | 7.2 |
CB: Álvaro Carreras | 8.1 |
LB: Fran García | 7.1 |
DM: Fede Valverde | 7.8 |
DM: Dani Ceballos | 8.3 |
RW: Franco Mastantuono | 8.2 |
AM: Arda Güler | 8.5 |
LW: Vinícius Júnior | 9.1 |
ST: Kylian Mbappé | 9.3 |
SUB: Aurélien Tchouaméni (71' for Mastantuono) | 6.1 |
SUB: Jude Bellingham (72' for Valverde) | 7 |
SUB: Rodrygo (82' for Mbappé) | N/A |
SUB: Eduardo Camavinga (82' for Ceballos) | N/A |
SUB: David Alaba (82' for Carreras) | N/A |
Subs not used: Andriy Lunin (GK), Sergio Mestre (GK), Franco Mastantuono, Gonzalo García, Rodrygo.
Player of the Match: Kylian Mbappé
Levante (4-4-2): Mathew Ryan; Jeremy Toljan, Unai Elgezabal, Adrián de la Fuente, Diego Pampín; Carlos Álvarez, Unai Vencedor, Oriol Rey, Jon Olasagasti; Karl Etta Eyong, Iván Romero.
Subs: Roger Brugué, Kervin Arriaga, Goduine Koyalipou, José Luis Morales, Iker Losada.