Huijsen returns from suspension

Defensive reinforcement arrives

Real Madrid have confirmed that Dean Huijsen is back in the fold after serving a suspension, a timely relief for a backline stretched by injuries and suspensions. His return strengthens the heart of the defense as Xabi Alonso weighs how to line up against Levante. With Huijsen in the squad, the centre-back pairing options widen and the team can maintain a compact, confident shape at key moments. The Real Madrid Levante squad faces a tricky balancing act: protecting the goal while still pressing with purpose high up the pitch. For more on the squad, the Real Madrid official site remains a primary resource, alongside La Liga previews.

Impact on defensive shape

The defender’s return gives Alonso room to experiment with different configurations. Huijsen’s reading of the game and comfort on the ball should help the team press higher in suitable moments, while remaining solid when Levante launch quick counters. The absence of three key defenders heightens the importance of discipline and communication at the back, and Huijsen’s leadership can anchor these shifts. Real Madrid Levante squad planning now centers on preserving solidity without sacrificing attacking momentum in transitions.

Alhough the staff will manage the lineup carefully, Huijsen’s presence offers a clear reference point for the backline and a platform to build from. The manager may lean into a slightly higher defensive line or a flexible triple-center-back look if the opposition imposes pressure. Either way, the reintroduction of Huijsen strengthens Real Madrid’s tactical repertoire for the Levante match and beyond.

Defensive absences and options

Defensive gaps exposed

The injury and suspension list around the backline remains a concern for Alonso. Trent Alexander-Arnold is unavailable, and Ferland Mendy and Antonio Rüdiger join him on the sidelines. Those missing names shape how Real Madrid will defend space, recover in transition, and maintain compact lines against a Levante side capable of exploiting wide areas. This trio’s absence adds urgency to how the squad fills the void with experience, pace, and positional discipline.

With Huijsen back, Alonso must decide how aggressively to shore up the flanks. The team could lean on additional cover from central midfielders or push a full-back higher up when the attack is in full flow. The Real Madrid Levante squad is clearly tested, and the coach’s selections will aim to preserve balance between defensive resilience and offensive threat as the match unfolds.

Options to fill the void

Depth will be tested, but options exist. The club can lean on other trusted defenders to slot into the backline, potentially pairing Huijsen with a steady partner like David Alaba, while a squad member drops in to cover a wing or wide position when necessary. In midfield, players may drop back to help shield the defense during phases when Levante presses high. Real Madrid’s squad management will be about preserving solidity without sacrificing width and pace in attack, a delicate but achievable balance for the Levante clash.

Bellingham and Camavinga back in contention

Midfield revival and options

Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga are declared available again, delivering a welcome surge of creativity and energy. Their return broadens Alonso’s midfield options and gives him flexibility in the central corridor. Bellingham’s box-to-box ability pairs well with Camavinga’s dynamism and ball progression, offering a mix of control and forward thrust. This replenishment matters because it can help Real Madrid Levante squad to control tempo and exploit spaces after winning the ball high up the pitch.

With both players back, Alonso can rethink how the middle of the park is structured. A traditional 4-3-3 could be reinforced with one of the pair dropping slightly deeper to shield the defense, or the two could partner with a more experienced midfielder to maintain balance. The availability of Bellingham and Camavinga gives Real Madrid the tools to adapt to Levante’s pressing and build attacks from deeper areas when needed.

Attack retooled with renewed choices

In attack, the reintroduction of Bellingham and Camavinga opens doors for diverse forward combinations. Their couple of versatile runs and passing options can unlock compact defences, creating space for wingers and forwards to exploit. Alonso now has the option to rotate attacking personnel without sacrificing the team’s rhythm, a luxury that becomes crucial as the squad manager weighs which players maximize momentum against Levante’s shape.

As the Real Madrid Levante squad takes shape, the coach can balance risk and reward—introducing fresh ideas in the final third while keeping the build-up play efficient. The pair’s presence also helps control transition moments and may encourage a slightly more aggressive stance at home, where patience and pace can work in tandem to break down Levante’s structure.

Midfield and attack: potential tweaks

Midfield balance and trio selection

With Bellingham and Camavinga returning, Alonso has to decide on the ideal midfield trio. A setup featuring Bellingham alongside a more defensively minded partner could give Real Madrid control in the middle and reduce exposure on the flanks. Alternatively, Camavinga’s pressing and range might allow a more attack-minded configuration, letting the team apply pressure higher up the pitch and create faster transitions. The chosen trio will influence how the forwards press and how the backline remains protected against Levante’s counters.

The Real Madrid Levante squad will be shaped by these calls, as Alonso weighs the need for ball progression, defensive cover, and verticality in the final third. The right combination can unlock space for Vinícius Jr. or other attackers while keeping the defense compact when Levante break forward. Expect a careful balance between patience in possession and decisive runs when opportunities arise.

Forward line adjustments

The forward line could be reshaped to exploit the fresh options in midfield. If Bellingham sits deeper, a more dynamic attacking trio might include Camavinga or another forward in a supporting role to stretch the defence. Alternatively, the coach could push Bellingham further forward in a 4-2-3-1 shape to maximize goal threats and keep the center of the pitch mobile. Either approach aims to preserve pace, direct running, and accurate finishing in front of Levante’s goal.

Tactical outlook for Levante match

Levante as a test of Real Madrid’s depth

The Levante clash is a test of Real Madrid’s depth as much as its starting lineup. Levante are capable of pressing with intensity and exploiting defensive uncertainties, so Alonso will likely demand a disciplined structure and quick ball movement. The return of Huijsen strengthens the central spine, while Bellingham and Camavinga provide the spark needed to break lines. The Real Madrid Levante squad’s performance will hinge on how well the team manages transitions and keeps a consistent tempo throughout the match.

Out on the pitch, the plan will be to maintain control of the game while staying vigilant for counter-attacks. The experience of senior teammates, coupled with the fresh energy from Huijsen, Bellingham, and Camavinga, should help Real Madrid navigate a potentially tricky opponent. For fans seeking more context on Levante’s approach, visiting La Liga coverage provides useful background on how opponents typically push Madrid’s limits.

Strategic calls for Alonso

Alonso’s strategic calls will center on balance—keeping a sturdy backline while pushing for quick, efficient attacks. He might lean on a slightly higher line to squeeze space from Levante’s build-up play, or opt for a more compact shape if the visitors press with intensity from the opening whistle. Either way, the emphasis will be on minimizing risk in wide areas, leveraging Huijsen’s ability to read the game, and maximizing the pressing potential of Bellingham and Camavinga to force turnovers high up the pitch.

As the Real Madrid Levante squad lines up for kickoff, expect Alonso to be flexible with his match plan. A successful approach will combine defensive discipline with the bold, rapid transitions that have defined Madrid’s attacking play in recent campaigns. For additional insights, check out match previews and tactical analyses from credible outlets such as BBC Sport and official La Liga materials.