Real Madrid finally found their rhythm as they thrashed Monaco 6-1 at the Bernabéu, a much-needed boost following a week of tension and criticism. Nine days after Xabi Alonso’s sacking, and three after protests from fans, the team responded with goals and composure, earning songs and applause instead of whistles. Kylian Mbappé, Franco Mastantuono, Jude Bellingham, and Vinícius Júnior all made decisive contributions, with Monaco’s Thilo Kehrer adding an own goal.
Vinícius, under fire in recent matches, was central to Madrid’s resurgence. He scored his first goal since October and helped set up three others. Afterward, he celebrated quietly with teammates rather than heading to the stands. “The last few days were very complicated; I don’t want to be in the spotlight for what I do off the pitch,” he admitted. Mbappé praised him earlier in the week: “We have to support Vini.”
Mbappé opened the scoring early, combining with Mastantuono and Fede Valverde to net his tenth Champions League goal of the season. His celebration, hands in prayer, reflected both relief and focus. Bellingham also reflected on recent challenges, noting, “Fans are entitled to their opinion, and the way we have to react is the way we have the last two games.”
Monaco struggled to respond, with few meaningful chances. Madrid’s second goal came from a perfectly executed sequence: Eduardo Camavinga pirouetted past defenders to find Arda Guler, who laid it across for Vinícius, then Mbappé finished with precision. The moves highlighted the team’s cohesion and technical quality.
The victory not only boosted morale but also sent a statement: Real Madrid can recover from adversity, blending star power and teamwork to dominate on the field. For fans and players alike, it was a night of redemption and renewed optimism for the season ahead.
