Kylian Mbappe has scored 11 Champions League goals in six appearances this season - five more goals than any other player.
Real Madrid delivered a dominant Champions League performance against Monaco, powered by Kylian Mbappe’s brace.
Jude Bellingham also scored as Madrid cruised to a convincing win at the Bernabeu.
The result marked a strong European start for new coach Alvaro Arbeloa.
Arbeloa took charge after replacing Xabi Alonso earlier this month.
This was his first Champions League match as Real Madrid manager.
His team responded with intensity, sharp movement, and ruthless finishing.
Fast Start Sets the Tone
Real Madrid needed just five minutes to take control.
Kylian Mbappe punished his former club with a clinical opener.
Teenager Franco Mastantuono surged down the right flank with purpose.
He passed to Federico Valverde, who found Mbappe in space.
The French forward struck low into the bottom corner.
Mbappe’s history against Monaco continued to haunt the visitors.
He began his career at the club as a 14-year-old.
Now, he has scored 13 goals in 15 matches against them.
Kylian Mbappe Leads from the Front
Kylian Mbappe doubled Real Madrid’s lead in the 26th minute.
It was his 11th goal of the current Champions League campaign.
He is now the competition’s leading scorer this season.
The goal came from a flowing team move.
Eduardo Camavinga produced a clever flick in midfield.
Vinicius Jr delivered a precise low cross from the left.
Mbappe finished with confidence, lifting the stadium.
Before kick-off, Mbappe urged fans to support the team.
He asked them not to boo players after recent setbacks.
His performance ensured the message landed strongly.
Young Talent Adds Spark
Real Madrid continued their dominance after the break.
The third goal arrived in the 51st minute.
Eighteen-year-old Franco Mastantuono scored his first Champions League goal.
He finished first time after excellent work from Vinicius Jr.
The Brazilian winger remained a constant threat.
His low cross soon forced Monaco defender Thilo Kehrer into an own goal.
Real Madrid were now completely in control of the contest.
Vinicius Jr, who faced recent criticism, responded in style.
He blasted home Madrid’s fifth goal.
The shot crashed in off the underside of the crossbar.
Monaco’s Brief Response
Monaco managed a consolation goal after a rare Madrid mistake.
Real lost possession while playing out from the back.
Jordan Teze capitalised on the error with a composed finish.
Earlier, Teze had already struck the crossbar.
Any hopes of a comeback were short-lived.
Jude Bellingham quickly restored Madrid’s five-goal cushion.
He rounded goalkeeper Philipp Kohn before scoring.
It was Bellingham’s first goal of 2026.
Champions League Picture Clears
The win lifts Real Madrid to second place in the table.
They now have 15 points from seven Champions League matches.
A positive result away at Benfica on January 28 will secure qualification.
It would also help them avoid a knockout play-off round.
Monaco’s situation looks far more uncertain.
They sit 20th in the standings with nine points.
A home win against Juventus is now essential.
That result would secure them a play-off spot.
Arbeloa’s Early Test
Alvaro Arbeloa’s reign began under pressure.
He replaced Xabi Alonso after the Spanish Super Cup final loss.
His first match ended in a shock Copa del Rey exit.
Real lost 3-2 to second-tier Albacete.
He steadied the ship with a league win over Levante.
This Champions League display was his strongest statement yet.
With Kylian Mbappe in lethal form, Real Madrid look dangerous again.
