After facing fan anger despite a 2-0 victory over Levante, Real's performance was transformative. At their home ground, the Bernabeu, on 20/1, coach Alvaro Arbeloa fielded Real's youngest Champions League lineup since 12/2018. The squad averaged 24 years and 152 days old, surpassing the 24 years and 100 days old team against CSKA Moscow.

With young talents like 18-year-old Franco Mastantuono and 20-year-old Arda Guler, Real displayed seamless coordination, created numerous opportunities, and scored consistently, handing Monaco a defeat reminiscent of a tennis set.

Playing on the right wing of the attack, Mastantuono quickly repaid coach Arbeloa's faith. He delivered a pass into the box for Federico Valverde, who then set up Kylian Mbappe to slot home the opening goal in the fifth minute.

Vinicius (right) celebrates a goal during Real's 6-1 victory over Monaco in the Champions League group stage on the evening of 20/1. Photo: AP

Vinicius also had a strong start, emerging as the match's star. Shedding his reputation for complaints, the Brazilian forward played enthusiastically, actively supported teammates, and capitalized on chances. In the 26th and 51st minutes, he assisted Mbappe for a tap-in that doubled the lead, and then Mastantuono with a diagonal shot to make it 3-0. Vinicius also contributed to the fourth goal in the 55th minute, delivering a cross that led to Monaco center-back Thilo Kehrer scoring an own goal. The forward capped his excellent performance with a central breakthrough, firing into the top corner to extend the lead to 5-0 in the 63rd minute.

His two goals against Monaco brought his Champions League tally this season to 11, matching Cristiano Ronaldo's record for most group stage goals in a single season, set in 2015-2016. Mastantuono became Real's third youngest scorer in the Champions League at 18 years and 159 days old, trailing only Endrick (18 years and 58 days old) and Raul (18 years and 113 days old).

Monaco held 47% possession but crumbled under Real's intense pressing style. The Ligue 1 representatives managed to pull one goal back in the 72nd minute through Jordan Teze, capitalizing on a passing error by Dani Ceballos.

However, in the 80th minute, another Monaco passing error allowed Real to seal their 6-1 victory. After receiving the ball from midfield, Jude Bellingham dribbled past the goalkeeper and slotted it into an empty net.

Real secured 15 points from seven matches, climbing to second in the Champions League group stage, only behind Arsenal, who have a perfect 21 points. Bayern also has 15 points but has played only six matches. The eight group winners after eight matchdays will advance directly to the round of 16. Teams ranked ninth to 24th will compete in play-off matches for the remaining eight spots.

Thanh Quy