Real Madrid delivered a stunning 6-1 victory over Monaco in the Champions League, with Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior at the forefront of a resurgent performance that has lifted spirits at the Bernabéu. This commanding win comes after a period of intense scrutiny and fan discontent, offering a much-needed boost to the squad and their supporters.
A Night of Redemption and Celebration
Just nine days after the sacking of manager Xabi Alonso and following recent protests from fans, Real Madrid showcased their quality with a dominant display. The match saw goals from Mbappé, Franco Mastantuono, and Jude Bellingham, along with an own goal from Monaco's Thilo Kehrer. However, it was the contributions of Vinícius Júnior that truly stood out, as the Brazilian provided three assists and scored a sensational goal of his own.
Vinícius Júnior's Emotional Response
Vinícius, who has faced significant criticism in recent weeks, responded with a superb performance. His goal in the 63rd minute, a brilliant dribble and strike into the top corner, was met with rapturous applause from the Bernabéu crowd. Despite his low-key celebrations, his teammates rallied around him, offering support and solidarity. After the match, Vinícius acknowledged the challenges he has faced, stating, "The last few days were very complicated; I don't want to be in the spotlight for what I do off the pitch."
Mbappé and Bellingham Make Their Mark
Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring early with his tenth Champions League goal of the season, celebrating with a gesture of apology to the fans. He later added a second goal, assisted by Vinícius, and publicly called for support for his teammate. Jude Bellingham, who has been the subject of off-field rumours, capped the night with Madrid's sixth goal, celebrating with a pointed drinking gesture. Bellingham addressed the speculation post-match, saying, "A lot of people say a lot of things. I know the truth. It's nice to have a bit of a joke."
Shifting Fan Sentiment at the Bernabéu
The atmosphere at the Bernabéu was notably different from recent matches, where whistles and protests had dominated. This time, songs and support echoed through the stadium, signalling a tentative reconciliation between the team and their supporters. Fans chanted Vinícius's name loudly, particularly after his goal, showing a willingness to move past recent tensions.
Key Moments and Tactical Highlights
The match was characterised by fluid attacking play from Real Madrid, with standout moments including:
- Mbappé's early goal, set up by Mastantuono and Fede Valverde.
- Vinícius's exquisite outside-of-the-boot assist for Mbappé's second goal.
- Mastantuono's well-taken finish from a Vinícius pass early in the second half.
- Kehrer's own goal from another Vinícius cross.
- Bellingham's composed finish for the sixth goal, rounding the goalkeeper.
Monaco offered little resistance, with only a consolation goal from Jordan Teze breaking Madrid's clean sheet. The visitors struggled to contain Madrid's attacking trio, who exploited spaces with pace and precision.
Post-Match Reactions and Looking Ahead
New coach Álvaro Arbeloa described Vinícius's embrace after the match as symbolic of the whole of Madrid coming together. Mbappé reflected on the difficult week, noting, "It hasn't been the easiest week," but expressed relief at the positive result. Bellingham also commented on the improved fan support, contrasting it with the whistles heard in previous games.
This victory represents more than just three points; it is a statement of intent from Real Madrid as they navigate a transitional period. With key players stepping up and fan support returning, the team has taken a significant step towards rebuilding confidence and momentum in their Champions League campaign.
