Mbappé’s Brace Highlights Dominant Performance – Player Ratings and Analysis

Real Madrid Dismantles Monaco in Champions League Clash

Real Madrid delivered a statement performance against Monaco in their recent Champions League encounter, securing a resounding 6-1 victory. The match, held on January 20, 2026, showcased Real Madrid’s attacking prowess, spearheaded by a brace from former Monaco star Kylian Mbappé. This comprehensive analysis delves into the individual player performances that contributed to the dominant scoreline.

Real Madrid Player Ratings

Thibaut Courtois (GK): 7.0

Courtois had a relatively quiet night, largely thanks to Real Madrid’s dominance in possession and Monaco’s limited attacking threat. He made a couple of comfortable saves and distributed the ball well. Could do little about Monaco’s consolation goal.

Dani Carvajal (RB): 7.5

A solid performance from the veteran right-back. Carvajal was defensively sound, limiting Monaco’s wing play, and contributed effectively to Real Madrid’s attacks with overlapping runs and accurate crosses. He provided a good outlet on the right flank.

Eder Militão (CB): 7.0

Militão was largely untroubled by Monaco’s forwards. He was strong in the tackle and composed in possession, helping to build attacks from the back. He formed a good partnership with Rüdiger.

Antonio Rüdiger (CB): 7.5

Rüdiger put in a commanding performance at the heart of the Real Madrid defense. His physicality and aerial ability were crucial in snuffing out any Monaco attacks. He also demonstrated good passing range, contributing to Real Madrid’s build-up play.

Ferland Mendy (LB): 7.0

Mendy provided a reliable presence on the left side of defense. He was defensively disciplined and offered support in attack, although he wasn’t as adventurous as Carvajal on the opposite flank. His positional awareness was key in preventing Monaco from exploiting the left wing.

Toni Kroos (CM): 8.5

A masterclass in midfield control from Toni Kroos. The German orchestrated Real Madrid’s attacks with his pinpoint passing and intelligent movement. He dictated the tempo of the game and provided the platform for Real Madrid’s attacking players to flourish. His vision was exceptional, and his set-piece delivery was dangerous throughout the match. He also contributed defensively, winning back possession and shielding the back four.

Aurélien Tchouaméni (CDM): 7.5

Tchouaméni provided a solid shield in front of the defense. He broke up Monaco’s attacks effectively and distributed the ball simply and efficiently. He allowed Kroos and Bellingham the freedom to express themselves further up the pitch. His presence in midfield was crucial in disrupting Monaco’s attempts to counter-attack.

Jude Bellingham (CM): 8.0

Another impressive performance from Bellingham. He was a constant threat with his driving runs and clever passes. He linked up well with the forward players and contributed a goal to Real Madrid’s tally. His energy and dynamism were a key factor in Real Madrid’s dominance.

Vinícius Júnior (LW): 8.5

Vinícius Júnior was a constant menace to the Monaco defense. His pace, trickery, and direct running caused problems throughout the match. He scored a goal and provided an assist, showcasing his attacking quality. He was a nightmare for Monaco’s right-back.

Kylian Mbappé (ST): 9.0

Mbappé delivered a scintillating performance against his former club. He scored two goals, showcasing his pace, finishing ability, and clinical edge. He was a constant threat and proved to be too much for the Monaco defense to handle. His movement off the ball was exceptional, and he consistently found space in dangerous areas. A truly world-class performance.

Rodrygo (RW): 7.5

Rodrygo provided a lively presence on the right wing. He was skillful and direct, creating chances for himself and his teammates. He contributed an assist and worked tirelessly throughout the match. He stretched the Monaco defense and provided a different dimension to Real Madrid’s attack.

Substitutes:

• Eduardo Camavinga (CM): 7.0 – Came on for Kroos and maintained the midfield control.
• Nacho Fernández (CB): 6.5 – Replaced Militão and helped see out the game.
• Brahim Díaz (RW): 6.5 – Replaced Rodrygo and added fresh legs to the attack.
• Arda Güler (CM): N/A – Late substitute, little impact.
• Joselu (ST): N/A – Late substitute, little impact.

Monaco Player Ratings

Philipp Köhn (GK): 5.0

Köhn had a difficult night, conceding six goals. While he made a few saves, he was ultimately let down by his defense. He looked shaky at times and his distribution was questionable.

Vanderson (RB): 4.5

Vanderson struggled to contain Vinícius Júnior and was often caught out of position. He offered little in attack and was exposed defensively throughout the match.

Guillermo Maripán (CB): 4.0

Maripán was part of a defense that was completely overwhelmed by Real Madrid’s attack. He made several errors and struggled to cope with the pace and movement of Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior.

Soungoutou Magassa (CB): 4.0

Magassa, like Maripán, had a torrid evening. He was constantly under pressure and made several poor decisions. He was unable to contain Real Madrid’s attackers and contributed to the defensive collapse.

Caio Henrique (LB): 5.0

Henrique tried to offer some attacking impetus down the left flank but was largely ineffective. He struggled defensively against Rodrygo and offered little protection to his center-backs.

Youssouf Fofana (CM): 5.5

Fofana worked hard in midfield but was ultimately outmatched by Real Madrid’s superior quality. He struggled to win possession and was unable to prevent Real Madrid from dominating the game.

Mohamed Camara (CM): 5.0

Camara, like Fofana, was overrun in midfield. He failed to track the runs of Bellingham and Kroos and offered little in the way of creativity or defensive steel.

Takumi Minamino (AM): 6.0

Minamino was one of Monaco’s brighter players, showing glimpses of quality in attack. He scored Monaco’s only goal with a well-taken finish. However, he was largely isolated and unable to influence the game consistently.

Wissam Ben Yedder (ST): 5.0

Ben Yedder was largely anonymous, starved of service and unable to make an impact on the game. He was well marshaled by the Real Madrid defense and offered little threat.

Breel Embolo (ST): 5.0

Embolo, like Ben Yedder, struggled to get into the game. He was unable to hold up the ball effectively and offered little in the way of attacking threat. He was replaced early in the second half.

Aleksandr Golovin (LW): 5.5

Golovin showed flashes of skill but was ultimately unable to make a significant impact on the game. He struggled to get past Carvajal and offered little defensive support.

Substitutes:

• Myron Boadu (ST): 5.0 – Replaced Embolo but made little impact.
• Ismail Jakobs (LB): 5.0 – Replaced Henrique but offered little improvement.
• Eliot Matazo (CM): N/A – Late substitute, little impact.
• Edan Diop (RW): N/A – Late substitute, little impact.
• Maghnes Akliouche (AM): N/A – Late substitute, little impact.

Match Summary

Real Madrid’s victory was built on a foundation of midfield dominance, spearheaded by Kroos and Bellingham, and clinical finishing from their attacking trident of Vinícius Júnior, Mbappé, and Rodrygo. Monaco struggled to contain Real Madrid’s attacking threat and were ultimately outclassed in all areas of the pitch. Mbappé’s brace against his former club was the highlight of a dominant performance from the Spanish giants.

Tactical Analysis

Real Madrid’s 4-3-3 formation allowed them to control possession and dictate the tempo of the game. Kroos and Bellingham’s ability to win the midfield battle was crucial, while the pace and trickery of Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo stretched the Monaco defense. Mbappé’s movement and finishing ability provided the cutting edge. Monaco’s 4-4-2 formation proved ineffective, as they were unable to contain Real Madrid’s attacking threat and struggled to create chances of their own.

FAQ

What was the key to Real Madrid’s victory?

Real Madrid’s victory was largely due to their dominance in midfield, the clinical finishing of their attackers, and Monaco’s inability to contain their attacking threat. Toni Kroos and Jude Bellingham controlled the game, while Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior were a constant menace to the Monaco defense.

How did Kylian Mbappé perform against his former club?

Kylian Mbappé delivered a sensational performance against his former club, scoring two goals and showcasing his world-class talent. He was a constant threat to the Monaco defense and proved to be the difference-maker in the match.

What were Monaco’s biggest weaknesses in the match?

Monaco’s biggest weaknesses were their inability to control the midfield, their defensive vulnerabilities, and their lack of attacking threat. They were outmatched by Real Madrid’s superior quality and struggled to cope with their attacking prowess.

Who was the Man of the Match?

Kylian Mbappé was undoubtedly the Man of the Match. His two goals and overall performance were instrumental in Real Madrid’s victory. He was a constant threat and proved to be too much for the Monaco defense to handle.

What does this result mean for both teams in the Champions League?

This result significantly boosts Real Madrid’s chances of progressing further in the Champions League. It demonstrates their attacking power and solidifies their position as one of the favorites to win the competition. For Monaco, this defeat is a setback, and they will need to improve significantly if they hope to advance to the later stages of the tournament.