Real Madrid produced an emphatic display in Álvaro Arbeloa’s opening Champions League match as head coach, overpowering Monaco and strengthening their position in the competition. The former defender, appointed on 12 January following Xabi Alonso’s removal after defeat in the Spanish Super Cup final, oversaw a performance that quickly eased any early pressure.
The hosts required just five minutes to break the deadlock. A sharp surge down the right from Franco Mastantuono ended with Federico Valverde supplying Kylian Mbappe, who guided a precise right-footed effort into the corner.
That goal continued the French forward’s remarkable record against his former club. Having started his career in Monaco’s academy as a teenager, he has repeatedly troubled them since, now doing so in Madrid colours as well.
Momentum remained with the Spanish champions, and Mbappe struck again midway through the first half. A flowing move featuring Eduardo Camavinga’s deft flick and a low delivery from Vinicius Jr. allowed the striker to convert once more, extending the lead and underlining his status as the competition’s leading marksman this season.
Before kickoff, Mbappe had appealed to supporters for patience after recent setbacks, and his contribution ensured the atmosphere inside the stadium quickly turned positive.
Youth, pressure, and total dominance
The second period began with further damage inflicted on the visitors. Teenage Argentina international Mastantuono marked the occasion with his first Champions League strike, meeting Vinicius Jr.’s excellent work with a confident first-time finish.
Soon after, continued pressure forced an own goal, as a driven ball across the area from Vinicius Jr. was diverted into the net by Thilo Kehrer. The Brazilian winger, previously criticised by fans, was central to Madrid’s attacking fluency throughout the evening.
He later crowned his display in spectacular fashion, smashing a powerful effort that flew in off the underside of the crossbar to make it five. The sequence of goals highlighted Monaco’s inability to cope with Madrid’s pace and movement across the front line.
A rare lapse at the back allowed the French side a response. A misplaced pass while attempting to build from defence gifted Jordan Teze an opening, and he capitalised after earlier striking the woodwork.
Any faint hope of a comeback disappeared when Jude Bellingham restored the five-goal cushion. The England midfielder calmly rounded Philipp Kohn to register his first goal of 2026.
Table implications and managerial context
The comprehensive outcome leaves Real Madrid second in the standings with 15 points from seven Champions League outings. A favourable result away to Benfica on 28 January would secure direct qualification to the last 16, avoiding a two-legged play-off round.
Arbeloa’s promotion from the club’s B team followed a turbulent period. His tenure began with a surprising Copa del Rey elimination at the hands of Albacete, before stabilising matters through a league victory over Levante and this European success.
For Monaco, the setback complicates their campaign. Sitting 20th on nine points, they must win their final match at home against Juventus if they are to guarantee a place in the playoffs.
The contrast between the sides was stark, with Madrid’s efficiency and attacking variety overwhelming opponents still searching for consistency at this level.
