Real Madrid secured a 2-1 victory over AS Monaco at the Santiago Bernabéu, extending their lead in Group C of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League. Vinícius Júnior set up Karim Benzema for the opening goal, while Rodrygo’s 66th‑minute strike restored the lead. The win gives Madrid three crucial points and guarantees a top‑two finish regardless of the final round.
Match Overview
Starting Lineups
Real Madrid deployed a 4‑3‑3 with Vinícius Júnior on the left, a midfield trio of Luka Modrić, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Federico Valverde, and a forward line of Karim Benzema, Rodrygo and Eden Hazard. Monaco lined up in a 4‑2‑3‑1, featuring Wissam Ben Yedder up front, a midfield anchored by Aleksandr Golovin, and a creative trio of Youssouf Fofana, Romain Faivre and Sofiane Boufal.
Key Moments
The first half saw Monaco press high, but Madrid broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute when Vinícius cut inside and delivered a low pass to Benzema, whose first‑time finish beat goalkeeper Alexander Mikautadze. Monaco equalised before halftime from a corner, with Benoît Boulanger’s flick‑on finding Faivre, whose curling shot slipped under Thibaut Courtois. The decisive moment arrived in the 66th minute as Modrić threaded a precise pass to Rodrygo, whose low drive into the bottom corner restored Madrid’s lead.
Statistics and Highlights
Possession and Shots
Madrid dominated possession with 58 % compared to Monaco’s 42 %, and outshot the visitors 15‑8, reflecting their control of the tempo throughout the match.
Player Performances
- Karl Benzema – scored the opening goal and created space for the attack.
- Rodrygo – netted the winning goal after a brilliant assist from Modrić.
- Luka Modrić – orchestrated midfield, providing the decisive pass for the second goal.
- Wissam Ben Yedder – Monaco’s most dangerous threat, involved in the equaliser and registering two shots on target.
- Thibaut Courtois – made two crucial saves in the closing stages to preserve the lead.
Group C Implications
Real Madrid’s Position
The three points lift Madrid to 10 points, cementing their position at the top of Group C and guaranteeing a top‑two finish. The victory also provides a psychological edge heading into the final group match against FC Porto.
Monaco’s Challenge
Monaco remains on six points, level with Porto. They must win their last group game to secure progression, and the defeat highlights areas for tactical refinement as they aim to stay alive in the competition.
Looking Ahead to the Knockout Stage
Real Madrid’s win underscores their blend of experience and individual brilliance, a formula that will be vital in the upcoming knockout rounds. Monaco’s resilient performance, despite the loss, signals their potential to upset established clubs if they translate lessons learned into decisive play in the final group fixture.
