Real Madrid sent a loud message across Europe on January 20, 2026. With pace, power, and calm finishing, they swept AS Monaco aside 6-1 in the UEFA Champions League league phase at the Santiago Bernabeu. It was simple and ruthless. The win locked Madrid into the top eight with one game left, a major step in this new-look European format. It was also their second home victory in three days, underlining a team in rhythm.

Kylian Mbappé led the way. The France star scored twice in the first half and looked sharp on every touch. Jude Bellingham and Vinícius Jr both found the net too, Mastantuono added another, and a Kehrer own goal rounded out Madrid’s six. Monaco’s Jordan Teze gave the visitors a late goal in the 72nd minute, but the night belonged to the hosts. Three Madrid goals in an 18-minute burst after the break turned a strong performance into a statement.

Mbappé sets the tone for Real Madrid

Matches like this show why Real Madrid moved for Mbappé. His two first-half goals set the mood and settled any nerves. His movement dragged defenders around. His speed opened space for teammates. With those strikes, he reached 11 goals in this season’s Champions League, underlining his role as the competition’s most dangerous forward right now.

When Mbappé runs at a back line, chaos follows. Monaco tried to keep tight lines early, but they could not stop the combinations with Vinícius and Bellingham. The trio looked natural together, switching positions, making quick passes, and driving straight at goal. It is simple, direct football that bends defenses out of shape.

“This looks like a new Madrid under Arbeloa—fast, ruthless, and fun.”

Goals, control, and that 18-minute burst

Madrid’s control showed after the break. The hosts kept the ball, moved Monaco from side to side, and then pounced. Three goals in just 18 minutes broke the game wide open and left the Bernabeu buzzing. In games like this, momentum matters. Once the third and fourth went in, Monaco’s belief dropped and the home team went for more.

The score sheet tells the story. Along with Mbappé’s brace, Bellingham and Vinícius Jr kept their cool to finish. Mastantuono added his name too, a sign of Madrid’s depth and hunger across the squad. There was also a slice of misfortune for the visitors, with Kehrer turning the ball into his own net under pressure. Every bounce and every run seemed to favor the white shirts.

Arbeloa’s early imprint on the touchline

After recent changes on the bench, Alvaro Arbeloa is the man in charge, and this result felt like an early imprint. Madrid looked fresh, direct, and very clear in their plan: win the ball, move it fast, and get their stars into space. The balance was right. The back line held firm for most of the match, the midfield supported play on both sides of the ball, and the front three did the damage.

This was also Madrid’s second win at the Bernabeu in three days. That matters. It points to a confident group and a coach whose ideas are landing quickly. In a packed calendar, stringing wins together builds trust and tempo. Arbeloa’s test will be to keep that edge as the stakes rise.

“Mbappé, Vinícius, Bellingham: is there a better front line in Europe right now?”

What the 6-1 win means in the Champions League league phase

The result does more than bring three points. It locks Real Madrid into the top eight of the Champions League league phase with a game to spare. That is a major marker in this format and a sign of how steady Madrid have been in Europe this season. It also stands as their fifth European win of the campaign, adding weight to their title hopes.

For the fans, it’s reassurance. The team looks sharp now and has room to grow. With one league-phase game left, Madrid can fine-tune, manage minutes, and keep players fresh. The front three are in form, the goals are spread, and the bench is contributing. It is the kind of platform that turns a good season into a great one.

Monaco’s reality check and Teze’s late response

Monaco arrived with ambition. They tried to play, they tried to press, and they tried to hit back when they could. But Madrid’s speed of play was too much. The visitor’s best moment came when Jordan Teze finished in the 72nd minute. It was a well-taken goal and a small reward for their push, even with the score out of reach.

There is no shame in losing at the Bernabeu, but the scale of the defeat will sting. Monaco will go back to basics: stay compact, deal with runs in behind, and be cleaner on the ball. They will also note how one own goal and a fast Madrid burst can flip a game from tough to impossible in a flash.

“Three goals in 18 minutes felt like a knockout punch.”

Key players and turning points

• Kylian Mbappé: Two first-half goals and constant threat. His pace set the tone.
• Jude Bellingham: Timely runs and a cool finish. Linked play with calm and care.
• Vinícius Jr: Direct dribbling and a smart goal. Gave Monaco no rest on the left.
• Mastantuono: Added a clean finish to keep Madrid’s foot down.
• Kehrer own goal: A hard moment for Monaco that pushed the game out of reach.
• 18-minute surge: The spell that broke Monaco’s shape and belief.

Big picture: Madrid’s momentum is growing

Madrid are winning, scoring, and sharing the load. That’s the simple truth. The front line looks fearless, and the rest of the team is backing them up. The defense had a few busy moments, as you expect at this level, but the structure held and the attack answered again and again.

There is still one game left in the league phase, but this 6-1 result is the clearest sign yet of a team building toward spring with purpose. If they keep this focus, keep the ball moving fast, and keep their stars in rhythm, they will be a hard out for anyone.

On a chilly night at the Bernabeu, Real Madrid didn’t just win. They reminded everyone what they can do when the gears mesh. Six goals, a top-eight spot secured, and momentum to spare. That’s a statement the rest of Europe will hear.