La Liga Kickoff: Vinícius Leads Arbeloa's Madrid Debut as Real Eyes Revival
16 January 2026
Match Preview
The Merengues aim for a revival against modest Levante as Real Madrid open their La Liga campaign under new coach Álvaro Arbeloa at the Bernabéu on Saturday.
Projected XI
According to AS, the expected Madrid lineup features Thibaut Courtois in goal, with a defense including Careras, Huisen, Asensio, and David Jiménez.
Midfield: Jude Bellingham, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Federico Valverde.
Attack: Vinícius Júnior, Gonzalo, Massantonino.
Arbeloa seeks the first win after a 3-2 Copa del Rey defeat to Albacete, while his compatriot Xabi Alonso also lost 3-2 to Barcelona in the Saudi Super Cup final.
Bottom line: Arbeloa's debut squad is fresh enough to spark a revival—provided they remember the basics.
Punchline 1: If Arbeloa's plan works, my calendar might finally see a victory parade.
Punchline 2: If not, at least the memes will be ready to celebrate—and so will the coffee machine.
