Real Madrid vs Monaco: A Statement Night at the Bernabéu
The Real Madrid vs Monaco clash turned into a one-sided Champions League spectacle on Tuesday night, as Los Blancos delivered a commanding 6-1 victory at the Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid, Spain. The result marked a crucial moment in Real Madrid’s European campaign and a memorable first Champions League match in charge for new head coach Alvaro Arbeloa.
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In front of a packed home crowd, Real Madrid responded to recent criticism with authority, flair, and intensity. Vinicius Jr produced one of his finest performances in recent memory, while Kylian Mbappe continued his prolific scoring run in Europe, ensuring Monaco were overwhelmed well before the final whistle.
Early Control Despite Limited Possession
While Monaco enjoyed more of the ball in the opening stages, Real Madrid were far more effective where it mattered. The hosts struck early, setting the tone for the evening just five minutes into the match.
Federico Valverde found space on the right flank and delivered a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Mbappe. The French forward, facing his former club, calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner, giving Real Madrid a deserved early lead.
Despite Monaco attempting to settle into possession-based football, Madrid’s pressing and rapid transitions caused repeated problems. The contrast in efficiency became evident as the half progressed.
Mbappe Leads the Way Against Former Club
The Real Madrid vs Monaco encounter carried extra significance for Mbappe, who began his professional journey with the Ligue 1 side. That history did not slow him down.
In the 26th minute, Vinicius Jr curled a dangerous ball into the box following a swift team move involving Eduardo Camavinga. Mbappe was perfectly positioned to finish from close range, doubling Madrid’s advantage and underlining his status as the Champions League’s top scorer this season.
The Bernabéu crowd, which had recently voiced frustration at the team’s inconsistency, responded with loud applause. The mood inside the stadium shifted from tension to celebration.
Vinicius Jr Silences Critics in Style
Few players carried more pressure into the match than Vinicius Jr. Booed by sections of the home crowd in previous games, the Brazilian winger answered his critics with a masterclass.
Vinicius was at the heart of everything Madrid did well in attack. His pace, creativity, and confidence stretched Monaco’s defense repeatedly. Early in the second half, he turned sharply on the edge of the box and slipped a precise pass to teenage midfielder Franco Mastantuono, who finished first time for his first Champions League goal.
Moments later, Vinicius again tormented the visitors, driving down the left and firing a low cross that deflected off defender Thilo Kehrer into his own net. The scoreline now read 4-0, and Monaco were struggling to cope.
Goals Keep Flowing at the Bernabéu
The highlight of the night came shortly after as Vinicius Jr crowned his performance with a stunning goal. Picking up the ball outside the box, he unleashed a powerful strike that crashed in off the underside of the crossbar, sending the Madrid crowd into raptures.
Monaco briefly capitalized on a rare defensive error when Jordan Teze pulled a goal back after Real lost possession while playing out from the back. However, any hope of a comeback was quickly extinguished.
Jude Bellingham rounded off the scoring late in the game, showing great composure to dribble around goalkeeper Philipp Köhn before finishing calmly. It was his first goal of 2026 and another sign of Madrid’s growing confidence.
Arbeloa’s Impact and Tactical Balance
For Alvaro Arbeloa, this Real Madrid vs Monaco result represented a vital step forward. Appointed on January 12 following Xabi Alonso’s dismissal, the former Real Madrid defender faced immediate pressure after a Copa del Rey upset earlier in the month.
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Against Monaco, Arbeloa’s tactical plan was clear. Madrid defended compactly, accepted periods without possession, and struck with speed and precision on the counterattack. The balance between youth and experience, particularly in midfield, was evident throughout the match.
Speaking after the game, Arbeloa praised the players’ attitude and focus, noting that European nights at the Bernabéu demand intensity and belief.
Champions League Implications
The emphatic win places Real Madrid second in their Champions League group with 15 points from seven matches. A positive result away at Benfica on January 28 would secure automatic qualification for the last 16, avoiding a risky knockout play-off.
For Monaco, the defeat leaves them 20th in the standings with nine points. Their final group match against Juventus now becomes a must-win fixture to keep their European hopes alive.
Fans React as Madrid Rediscover Their Mojo
Madrid supporters left the stadium buoyed by the performance. Social media buzzed with praise for Vinicius Jr’s response to criticism and Mbappe’s ruthless finishing. Analysts across Spain also pointed to the renewed energy and cohesion under Arbeloa’s leadership.
For many fans, this match felt like a turning point in the season — a reminder of why Real Madrid remain a force in Europe.
As the lights dimmed at the Santiago Bernabéu, the message from the Real Madrid vs Monaco clash was clear: Madrid’s Champions League pedigree is alive and well. With Vinicius Jr inspired, Mbappe clinical, and confidence returning under new management, Los Blancos look ready to reassert themselves on Europe’s biggest stage.
