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Mbappé penalty secures Real Madrid win amid fan fury

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Kylian Mbappé converted a second-half penalty as Real Madrid beat Levante 2-0 at the Santiago Bernabéu. The victory arrived amid a furious atmosphere, with home supporters whistling players and waving white handkerchiefs. Raúl Asencio added a late header to seal the points for the crisis-hit club.

The win follows a turbulent week for Los Blancos. Manager Xabi Alonso departed by mutual consent after a Spanish Super Cup defeat to Barcelona, with Alvaro Arbeloa appointed as his replacement. Arbeloa's first game ended in a shock Copa del Rey loss to Albacete, intensifying fan frustration.

Arbeloa had pleaded for supporter unity before the match, but the hostile reception continued. The result lifts Madrid to within one point of league leaders Barcelona. Restoring trust with a disillusioned fanbase remains Arbeloa's immediate, and most pressing, challenge.