Kylian Mbappé scored twice and Jude Bellingham added a goal as Real Madrid thrashed Monaco in a dominant Champions League victory, giving new head coach Álvaro Arbeloa an emphatic first European win in charge of the Spanish giants.
The result significantly boosted Real Madrid’s chances of reaching the Champions League last 16, as the 15-time European champions delivered a ruthless attacking display at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Dream European Start for Álvaro Arbeloa
Arbeloa was appointed Real Madrid head coach on 12 January, replacing Xabi Alonso following the club’s defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final. While his reign began with a shock Copa del Rey exit to second-tier Albacete, this commanding Champions League performance marked a turning point.
Real looked composed, confident, and clinical from the opening whistle, responding positively after recent criticism from supporters.
Mbappé Haunts Former Club Once Again
Real Madrid wasted no time asserting their dominance, taking the lead after just five minutes against a Monaco side that Mbappé has repeatedly punished throughout his career.
Teenage Argentina international Franco Mastantuono sparked the move with a surging run down the right before finding captain Federico Valverde, whose pass released Mbappé. The French forward calmly fired a low right-footed shot into the bottom corner.
Mbappé began his professional journey at Monaco, joining the club as a 14-year-old in 2013, but he has since tormented them relentlessly. Including his time at Paris Saint-Germain and now Real Madrid, he has scored 13 goals in 15 matches against his former side.
Champions League Top Scorer Strikes Again
Mbappé doubled Real’s advantage in the 26th minute, extending his lead as the top scorer in this season’s Champions League with his 11th goal of the campaign.
Before kick-off, Mbappé had urged Real Madrid fans not to boo the team following recent disappointing displays. He repaid that faith with a stunning team goal, featuring a clever flick from Eduardo Camavinga and a precise low cross from Vinícius Júnior, which Mbappé finished clinically.
The Bernabéu crowd responded warmly as Real showcased their attacking fluidity and confidence.
Mastantuono Makes History as Real Pull Clear
Real Madrid continued their dominance after the break, adding a third goal in the 51st minute. Eighteen-year-old Franco Mastantuono marked a landmark moment in his career by scoring his first Champions League goal, finishing first time after brilliant work from Vinícius Júnior.
The Brazilian winger was at the heart of everything Real did well in attack and soon forced Monaco into further trouble.
Vinícius Júnior Shines Despite Criticism
Vinícius created Real’s fourth goal with another dangerous low cross, which was inadvertently turned into his own net by former West Ham defender Thilo Kehrer.
The Brazilian then capped an outstanding individual performance with a spectacular fifth goal, smashing the ball in off the underside of the crossbar to underline Real Madrid’s superiority.
Despite having faced criticism from supporters in recent weeks, Vinícius responded in the best possible way with pace, creativity, and end product.
Bellingham Completes the Rout
Monaco briefly capitalised on a rare Real Madrid mistake while playing out from the back, with Jordan Teze pulling a goal back after previously striking the crossbar.
However, any hopes of a comeback were swiftly extinguished when Jude Bellingham restored Real’s five-goal cushion. The England midfielder calmly rounded goalkeeper Philipp Köhn to score his first goal of 2026, sealing a comprehensive victory.
Champions League Qualification Picture
The emphatic win leaves Real Madrid second in the Champions League table with 15 points from seven games. A positive result away to Benfica on 28 January will guarantee a place in the last 16 and allow them to avoid a two-legged knockout play-off.
For Monaco, the defeat leaves them 20th on nine points. They must now win their final group-stage match at home against Juventus to secure a play-off spot and keep their European campaign alive.
Arbeloa’s Early Reign Shows Promise
Although Arbeloa’s managerial tenure began with mixed results — including a shock Copa del Rey defeat followed by a La Liga win over Levante — this Champions League performance suggested Real Madrid are adapting quickly to his leadership.
With Mbappé in devastating form, Bellingham contributing decisively, and young talents like Mastantuono emerging, Real Madrid appear well-positioned for another deep European run.
Leave a Reply