Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio insisted that “everyone wanted to turn the situation around” following their Copa del Rey exit to Albacete.

After a shock defeat to second-tier opposition in the last 16 of the cup, Los Blancos bounced back with a 2-0 league victory over Levante.

Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 58th minute before Asencio headed in a second for Alvaro Arbeloa’s first win at the helm since replacing Xabi Alonso.

Following his goal against Real Betis on January 4, Asencio has scored twice in his last five matches for Madrid in all competitions, after failing to find the net in any of his first 63 appearances.

Arbeloa's side had 26 shots against Levante, the third-highest tally by a manager on his LaLiga debut with Madrid since at least 2003-04, behind Manuel Pellegrini in 2009 (29) and Rafael Benitez in 2015 (27).

It was a hostile atmosphere at the Santiago Bernabeu after their recent coaching change and cup exit, with both Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham jeered throughout the game, with that duo having reportedly been at odds with Alonso.

Asencio highlighted the magnitude of their win against Levante after feeling “guilty” about their defeat to Albacete.

“It was a very important day. Everyone wanted to turn the situation around. What happened in Albacete shouldn't have happened,” Asencio told RMTV.

“We felt guilty and wanted to reverse it. We wanted to project a good image, and this is the way.

“We talked in the locker room and came to a common conclusion. It's important to talk things through, listen to the manager, and have confidence.

“He asks us to enjoy ourselves. To be the protagonists, to dominate. To focus on ourselves and not on the opponent. Little by little we will reach our goal.”

And on his goals in back-to-back home matches, the 22-year-old added: “I'm starting to enjoy it. I feel the fans' support every day.

“When I play, on the street, on social media. I feel that affection.”

Los Blancos are now just one point behind rivals Barcelona at the summit of LaLiga, though La Blaugrana face Real Sociedad on Sunday.

Madrid and Arbeloa will now turn their attention to the Champions League as they face Monaco before visiting third-place Villarreal in the league next weekend.