Together, We Achieve Greatness
Real Madrid Edge Out Monaco in Champions League Round of 16 First Leg
A scintillating display from Vinicius Junior propelled Real Madrid to a hard-fought 3-2 victory over AS Monaco in the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie at the Santiago Bernabéu. The Brazilian winger’s electrifying performance, capped off with a goal and an assist, earned him the Man of the Match award and left Monaco with a mountain to climb in the return leg at the Stade Louis II.
The match was a captivating back-and-forth affair, showcasing the attacking prowess of both sides. Real Madrid, the reigning Champions League holders, entered the match as favorites, but Monaco, known for their youthful exuberance and attacking flair, proved to be a formidable opponent. The game was a tactical chess match between Carlo Ancelotti and Monaco’s Philippe Clement, with both managers deploying their teams in attacking formations.
First Half Fireworks
The opening whistle signaled the start of an enthralling first half. Real Madrid dominated possession early on, probing the Monaco defense with intricate passing moves. However, Monaco were quick to counter, utilizing their pace on the wings to stretch the Real Madrid backline. The deadlock was broken in the 15th minute when Jude Bellingham, continuing his sensational form, latched onto a through ball from Toni Kroos and slotted it past Monaco goalkeeper Philipp Kohn. The Bernabéu erupted in celebration, but Monaco quickly responded.
Just five minutes later, Monaco equalized through Wissam Ben Yedder. A swift counter-attack saw Aleksandr Golovin deliver a pinpoint cross to the veteran striker, who made no mistake in heading the ball past Thibaut Courtois. The goal silenced the home crowd and injected a renewed sense of belief into the Monaco players. The game continued at a frenetic pace, with both teams creating chances. Vinicius Junior was a constant threat, his mazy dribbling and pace causing havoc in the Monaco defense. In the 35th minute, Real Madrid regained the lead. Vinicius Junior, after a dazzling run down the left wing, cut inside and unleashed a powerful shot that Kohn could only parry into the path of Karim Benzema, who tapped it in for his first Champions League goal of the season. The French striker, returning from injury, celebrated wildly with the Real Madrid faithful.
However, Monaco refused to back down. Just before halftime, they equalized once again. A well-worked corner kick found Axel Disasi unmarked in the box, and the defender powered a header past Courtois. The first half ended 2-2, leaving the tie perfectly poised.
Vinicius Seals the Victory in Thrilling Second Half
The second half began with the same intensity as the first. Both teams pressed forward in search of a decisive goal. Real Madrid, spurred on by the home crowd, created several opportunities, but Kohn proved to be a difficult obstacle. In the 60th minute, Ancelotti made a tactical substitution, bringing on Rodrygo for Benzema, hoping to inject fresh energy into the attack. The change paid dividends almost immediately. In the 72nd minute, Vinicius Junior finally got his goal. A lightning-fast counter-attack saw Rodrygo play a perfectly weighted through ball to the Brazilian winger, who calmly slotted it past Kohn. The Bernabéu erupted once again, this time with a sense of relief. Real Madrid had regained the lead for the third time in the match.
Monaco, desperate to avoid defeat, threw everything forward in the final minutes. However, the Real Madrid defense, marshaled by Eder Militao and David Alaba, stood firm. Courtois made several crucial saves to deny Monaco an equalizer. In the dying moments of the game, Monaco were awarded a free-kick just outside the Real Madrid penalty area. Golovin stepped up to take it, but his effort sailed harmlessly over the bar. The final whistle blew, signaling a hard-fought 3-2 victory for Real Madrid.
Speaking after the match, Vinicius Junior expressed his delight with the result and his own performance. “It was a very difficult game,” he said. “Monaco are a very good team, but we fought until the end and got the victory. I’m very happy to have scored and assisted, but the most important thing is that we won. If we’re together, we’re going to do great things.”
Carlo Ancelotti praised his team’s resilience and attacking prowess. “It was a fantastic game,” he said. “Both teams played with great intensity and created a lot of chances. We showed great character to keep coming back after Monaco equalized. Vinicius was outstanding tonight. He’s a special player, and he’s getting better and better every game.”
Philippe Clement, despite the defeat, remained optimistic about Monaco’s chances in the return leg. “We played very well tonight,” he said. “We created a lot of chances and scored two goals away from home. We’re still in the tie, and we believe we can win the second leg in Monaco.”
Tactical Analysis
Real Madrid’s victory was built on their attacking firepower and individual brilliance. Vinicius Junior was the standout performer, his pace, dribbling, and finishing causing constant problems for the Monaco defense. Jude Bellingham continued his impressive form, scoring his fifth Champions League goal of the season. The midfield trio of Kroos, Modric, and Valverde controlled the tempo of the game, dictating the play with their passing range and tactical awareness. However, Real Madrid’s defense looked vulnerable at times, particularly against Monaco’s counter-attacks. The absence of Ferland Mendy due to injury was noticeable, as Monaco exploited the space on the left flank.
Monaco, despite the defeat, can take heart from their performance. They showed great resilience to equalize twice and created several opportunities to score. Ben Yedder proved to be a constant threat, while Golovin’s creativity and passing range caused problems for the Real Madrid midfield. However, Monaco’s defense struggled to contain Vinicius Junior, and they will need to find a way to nullify his threat in the return leg.
Looking Ahead
The second leg of the tie at the Stade Louis II promises to be another enthralling encounter. Real Madrid will be looking to defend their lead and secure their place in the quarter-finals, while Monaco will be determined to overturn the deficit and cause an upset. The match is likely to be a tight and tense affair, with both teams knowing that a single goal could be the difference between victory and defeat. Real Madrid will be hoping that Vinicius Junior can continue his impressive form, while Monaco will be relying on Ben Yedder and Golovin to lead their attack. The tie is far from over, and both teams have everything to play for.
The potential absence of Kylian Mbappe looms large over both teams. While he currently plays for PSG, rumors persist that he might be a target for Real Madrid in the future. His presence on either side would significantly alter the dynamics of the game, adding another layer of intrigue to this already captivating Champions League tie.
Match Details
- Score: Real Madrid 3 – 2 AS Monaco
- Date: 2026-01-21
- Venue: Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid
- Competition: Champions League Round of 16 (1st Leg)
- Man of the Match: Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)
Goals
- Real Madrid: Jude Bellingham (15′), Karim Benzema (35′), Vinicius Junior (72′)
- AS Monaco: Wissam Ben Yedder (20′), Axel Disasi (45′)
Substitutions
Real Madrid:
- Rodrygo for Benzema (60′)
- Camavinga for Kroos (75′)
- Nacho for Carvajal (80′)
AS Monaco:
- Embolo for Ben Yedder (65′)
- Minamino for Golovin (70′)
- Diatta for Henrique (80′)
The return leg is scheduled for at the Stade Louis II in Monaco. The winner of the tie will advance to the Champions League Quarter-Finals.
FAQ
What was the final score of the Real Madrid vs. AS Monaco match?
The final score was Real Madrid 3 – 2 AS Monaco.
Who was the Man of the Match?
Vinicius Junior was awarded the Man of the Match for his outstanding performance, which included a goal and an assist.
Where was the match played?
The match was played at the Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid, Spain.
What competition was this match a part of?
This match was the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16.
When is the second leg of the tie?
The second leg is scheduled for at the Stade Louis II in Monaco.
Did Karim Benzema score in the match?
Yes, Karim Benzema scored one goal for Real Madrid in the first half.
What was the tactical approach of both teams?
Both Real Madrid and AS Monaco adopted attacking formations, leading to a high-intensity, back-and-forth game. Real Madrid focused on possession and intricate passing, while Monaco utilized their pace on the wings for counter-attacks.
How did Real Madrid manage to secure the win?
Real Madrid secured the win through a combination of individual brilliance, particularly from Vinicius Junior, and resilience in responding to Monaco’s equalizers. Their midfield control and attacking prowess ultimately proved decisive.
What are Monaco’s chances in the second leg?
Despite the defeat, Monaco still have a chance in the second leg. They showed great attacking potential in the first leg and will be looking to capitalize on their home advantage at the Stade Louis II.
Was Kylian Mbappe involved in the match?
No, Kylian Mbappe currently plays for PSG and was not involved in this match between Real Madrid and AS Monaco. However, his potential future transfer to Real Madrid is a recurring topic of discussion.
