AS Monaco’s Champions League hopes took a heavy blow in Madrid on Tuesday, January 20, as the Red and Whites were swept aside by Real Madrid’s ruthless efficiency, suffering a 6–1 defeat at the Santiago Bernabéu on Matchday 7 of the competition. Despite creating several promising chances and showing periods of positive play, Monaco were ultimately punished by the clinical finishing and individual quality of the 15-time European champions.
With President Dmitry Rybolovlev watching on alongside Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez, Monaco arrived in Spain knowing a positive result could put them in a strong position for the playoffs following their win over Galatasaray. Head coach Sébastien Pocognoli opted for a 4-2-3-1 setup, with Ansu Fati supporting Folarin Balogun up front and Maghnes Akliouche and Aleksandr Golovin providing width.
Backed by more than 2,500 travelling supporters, Monaco started confidently but were undone almost immediately. Real Madrid struck with their first clear opportunity as Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring in the fifth minute. Monaco responded with intent, Balogun narrowly missing on the counter and Ansu Fati firing over after a dangerous Caio Henrique cross, but Madrid’s composure in front of goal made the difference. Mbappé doubled the lead midway through the first half on a swift break, despite Monaco continuing to threaten through efforts from Jordan Teze, Akliouche and Balogun, all denied by Thibaut Courtois or the woodwork.
After the break, the hosts tightened their grip on the match. Franco Mastantuono made it 3–0 shortly after the restart, before a cruel own goal from Thilo Kehrer compounded Monaco’s misery. Vinícius Júnior then added a fifth with a fine finish, underlining Madrid’s dominance. Monaco did manage a moment of consolation when Jordan Teze capitalised on a defensive error to pull one back, but Jude Bellingham had the final word, restoring the five-goal margin late on.
Despite the heavy scoreline, Monaco showed flashes of ambition and character, with substitute George Ilenikhena coming close to scoring shortly after his introduction. However, the night belonged to Real Madrid, whose precision proved decisive.
Monaco now turn their attention to a crucial stretch of fixtures, beginning with a Ligue 1 trip to Le Havre before a decisive final Champions League group match at home against Juventus, where qualification for the playoffs will be on the line.
