Madrid (w) vs Levante Las Planas (w) on January 25
The Women’s Primera Division delivers another tantalizing fixture as Madrid (w) host Levante Las Planas (w) on January 25th at the iconic Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano. This clash is pivotal for both sides, as Madrid looks to cement their place in the title race, while Levante will be fighting to stay in the top half and avoid slipping into mid-table obscurity. With the stakes high, this promises to be a thrilling encounter, filled with tactical battles, individual brilliance, and drama on the pitch.
Madrid (w): Tactical Approach and Current Form
Madrid’s current form has been solid, with 4 wins in their last 5 matches. Under the stewardship of coach Alberto Toril, they’ve evolved into a well-balanced, aggressive unit. Their preferred formation is a 4-3-3, where the attack is fluid, and midfield dominance is crucial. The team boasts a possession-based style, controlling the game through short, sharp passing and creating overloads in the final third. Madrid excels at playing through the lines and using wide areas to stretch opposition defenses. Statistically, they rank high in xG (expected goals) with an average of 2.3 per game, showcasing their attacking potency.
However, Madrid’s success depends heavily on the form of key players like midfielder Claudia Zornoza, who remains the engine of the team. Zornoza’s vision and passing accuracy, ranking at a precise 89% in the final third, create numerous chances for her forwards. The attack is led by star forward Esther González, whose goal-scoring form has been impressive, contributing 7 goals in her last 5 appearances. Defensively, Madrid has been strong, with their high pressing system forcing 16 turnovers per match in the final third.
Despite their formidable form, Madrid does have injury concerns. Left-back Ivana Andrés is out for this fixture, forcing Toril to either shift midfielders into defensive roles or trust her replacement to step up. The absence of Andrés could affect Madrid’s ability to press effectively and provide width down the left, which could be exploited by Levante’s wingers.
Levante Las Planas (w): Tactical Approach and Current Form
Levante Las Planas have been impressive this season, maintaining a strong presence in the upper half of the table. Their recent form shows 3 wins and 2 losses in their last 5 matches, with their most recent victory being a vital 2-1 win over Real Sociedad. Levante typically lines up in a 4-4-2 formation, focusing on a compact defense and direct counter-attacking play. Their primary tactical weapon is exploiting the pace of their wingers and quick transitions from defense to attack. Levante tends to sit deep and absorb pressure, inviting opponents to break them down before launching rapid counter-attacks through their wide players, with quick switches of play being a notable feature of their style.
The team is anchored by veteran playmaker Eva Navarro, who has been a key figure in initiating transitions with her dribbling and speed. Navarro’s ability to create space and release quick balls into the final third has been central to Levante’s offensive play. Another standout is forward Alba Redondo, who has been lethal in front of goal, scoring 5 goals in the last 5 games. Levante averages 1.8 goals per game and ranks highly for efficiency in set pieces, scoring 25% of their goals from corners and free kicks.
While Levante’s tactics are built on defensive resilience and swift counter-attacks, they will have to be cautious of Madrid’s attacking firepower. The loss of central midfielder Ainoa Campo to suspension could disrupt Levante’s rhythm in the middle of the park, leaving them slightly exposed in transition. Levante’s defensive solidity will need to be at its best to cope with Madrid’s high pressing game and control of possession.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
In their last 5 encounters, Madrid has emerged victorious in 4 of them, with Levante’s solitary win coming back in the 2020 season. Historically, Madrid has dominated this matchup, winning 7 of the last 9 meetings. However, Levante has often made it difficult for Madrid, particularly when playing on home soil, by frustrating their opponents with a well-organized defensive block and clinical counter-attacks. In their most recent meeting earlier this season, Madrid triumphed 2-0, but Levante made them work hard for the victory, offering little space in the final third and attempting to break with pace.
Psychologically, Madrid enters this match as the favorites, buoyed by their strong squad and recent form. However, Levante will be determined to prove they can challenge the elite in the division, and their counter-attacking prowess makes them a dangerous opponent on the break. This mental resilience could be key, especially given the pressure that comes with playing at Madrid’s fortress.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
The key battle will likely occur in the midfield, where Madrid’s Zornoza will face off against Levante’s Navarro. Zornoza’s passing range and ability to dictate play will be tested by Navarro’s speed and pressing game. If Madrid can neutralize Navarro’s influence and dominate possession, they will control the tempo of the match. On the other hand, if Levante’s midfield can stifle Zornoza’s creativity and prevent Madrid from building through the middle, they will have a chance to exploit the spaces left open by Madrid’s attacking intent.
Another critical area will be Madrid’s wide play against Levante’s full-backs. Madrid often looks to stretch the opposition by using their wingers, and with Andrés out, Levante will need to defend more resolutely on the flanks. The duels between Madrid’s wingers and Levante’s full-backs will be crucial in determining which team can create the most chances. Madrid will look to dominate these areas with their technical superiority, while Levante will rely on their defensive solidity and counter-attacks to break the game open.
Match Scenario and Prediction
This game will likely see Madrid enjoy the majority of possession, pushing Levante deep into their own half. Madrid will focus on quick, incisive build-up play, using their full-backs and wingers to stretch Levante’s defense. Levante, on the other hand, will sit back and look to hit on the counter, using the pace of Navarro and Redondo to create opportunities. The absence of Andrés is a concern for Madrid, but their superior depth and attacking options should still give them the edge. Given Madrid’s firepower and Levante’s defensive vulnerabilities, it’s difficult to see the home side failing to secure a win here.
Prediction: Madrid 3-1 Levante Las Planas. Madrid will dominate possession, create multiple chances, and convert at least one in the first half. Levante will score on the break but will ultimately fall short against Madrid’s attacking quality. Expect Madrid to have 60% possession and an xG of around 2.5, while Levante’s xG will be closer to 1.2, with counter-attacks being their primary source of threat.
Final Thoughts
The result of this match will hinge on how well Levante can cope with Madrid’s attacking onslaught and whether their defensive discipline can hold firm. For Madrid, it’s a chance to consolidate their title hopes with another convincing performance, but they must overcome a well-drilled Levante side that will look to frustrate them at every turn. This clash will answer whether Madrid’s depth and attacking prowess can break down the resolute defense of a team determined to make a statement.
