Real Madrid secured a convincing 6-1 victory over Monaco in the UEFA Champions League league phase on January 20, 2026, at the Santiago Bernabéu. Vinícius Júnior starred with a goal and two assists, while Kylian Mbappé scored twice against his former club. The win marked a strong Champions League debut for new manager Álvaro Arbeloa amid recent team turmoil.
Real Madrid hosted AS Monaco at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid on January 20, 2026, for a crucial UEFA Champions League league phase match. The Spanish side, seventh in the standings with 12 points from six games, needed a win to bolster their chances of automatic qualification to the round of 16. Monaco, sitting 19th, aimed to climb into playoff contention but faced a formidable opponent under new coach Álvaro Arbeloa, who replaced Xabi Alonso following recent defeats, including a 2-1 loss to Manchester City and elimination from the Copa del Rey by second-division Albacete. The atmosphere was tense, with some fans booing Vinícius Júnior, who had faced criticism after underwhelming performances and the team's struggles. Arbeloa had defended the Brazilian winger pre-match, stating, 'He needs the Bernabéu to bring out his best. He has a huge heart... As a coach, I would love to see a Bernabéu that stands behind its players.' Mbappé opened the scoring in the fifth minute, sweeping in a pass from Franco Mastantuono and Federico Valverde, and celebrated with a gesture of apology to the fans. He added a second soon after, volleying in a precise outside-of-the-boot cross from Vinícius to make it 2-0. Early in the second half, Vinícius set up Mastantuono for his first Champions League goal, driving in from a fast break to extend the lead to 3-0. Monaco's Thilo Kehrer then diverted a Vinícius cross into his own net for 4-0. Vinícius capped his performance with a solo goal in the 63rd minute, weaving through the defense and smashing into the top corner, prompting chants from the crowd despite initial boos. Monaco pulled one back through Jordan Tezé, but Jude Bellingham sealed the 6-1 win with a close-range finish after slaloming through defenders. Bellingham, addressing rumors and fan discontent, said post-match, 'A lot of people say a lot of things... It’s nice to have a bit of a joke.' Mbappé echoed support for Vinícius, noting, 'We have to support Vini.' The victory lifted Real Madrid to second place, providing respite after a turbulent week marked by protests and the coach's sacking. Vinícius, named man of the match, reflected, 'The last few days were very complicated; I don’t want to be in the spotlight for what I do off the pitch.'
