Mbappé and Vinícius Inspire Real Madrid's 6-1 Rout of Monaco in Champions League
Kylian Mbappé netted a brace against his old club Monaco, propelling Real Madrid to a convincing 6-1 triumph in the Champions League on Tuesday, which helped calm the unrest surrounding the team.
Vinícius Júnior, recently booed by supporters during a domestic victory against Levante, delivered an outstanding performance and added a stunning strike, bolstering Madrid's chances of securing a spot in the top eight of the league phase.
Interim manager Álvaro Arbeloa claimed his second success since stepping in for Xabi Alonso last week, as his squad unleashed a spectacular offensive show to lift spirits after recent setbacks.
Jude Bellingham and Franco Mastantuono also found the net for the Spanish giants, while Thilo Kehrer deflected a Vinícius delivery into his own goal, marking what could be Madrid's finest outing this campaign.
"The team earned this result through their hard work and skill," Arbeloa remarked to Movistar, following the 15-time title holders' ascent to provisional second place in the league phase standings.
"I was impressed by their drive and talent; this hunger and determination is exactly what every Madrid supporter craves."
A smattering of jeers greeted Vinícius at kickoff, but they faded as he showcased his exceptional abilities to the home crowd.
"The past few days were tough for everyone, especially me with the boos and all the talk centred on me," Vinícius shared.
"I always pour my heart into this jersey and the club that has offered me so much."
Mbappé has maintained excellent scoring form amid Madrid's challenges, extending his advantage in the Champions League top scorers list with strikes number 10 and 11, establishing a strong advantage for his side.
Having sat out the Copa del Rey embarrassment versus Albacete in Arbeloa's troubled debut, Mbappé has scored in the subsequent pair of fixtures.
The French ace wasted no time, converting from close range in the fifth minute after Federico Valverde laid off Mastantuono's pullback.
Following his celebration alongside teammates, Mbappé gestured an apology to the away fans, recalling his breakthrough years at Monaco.
Ansu Fati, loaned to Monaco from Barcelona, nearly responded before Arbeloa's charges extended their lead.
A swift breakaway ensued, initiated by Eduardo Camavinga's smart pass to Arda Güler, who located Vinícius; the Brazilian then centred for Mbappé, ruled onside, to finish neatly.
Though vulnerable at the back, Monaco posed occasional danger, with Jordan Teze striking the bar from distance.
Thibaut Courtois pulled off key stops for Madrid before halftime, and soon after the restart, the hosts added a third.
Vinícius, central to the action, generously set up Mastantuono, the ex-River Plate talent, who rifled it in.
This is my Vinícius
By the 55-minute mark, Madrid led 4-0, as Kehrer unluckily converted Vinícius's precise low pass into his own net amid Monaco's collapse.
Arbeloa has consistently lauded Vinícius since assuming control, and the winger embraced his boss after blasting in the fifth.
Vinícius curled a shot into the upper corner beyond the stranded Philipp Kohn, marking just his second goal in 19 recent appearances.
"This is my Vinícius," commented Madrid's Aurélien Tchouaméni. "When we perform at our best, the fans who show up leave delighted. Tonight was special at the Bernabéu."
Teze notched a consolation for Monaco following an error from Dani Ceballos, but Madrid capped the demolition shortly after.
Bellingham lobbed the keeper in the 80th minute, having been teed up by Dean Huijsen's intelligent dummy on Valverde's delivery.
The English star marked his goal by mimicking gulps from several drinks, seemingly countering rumours of his love for Madrid's night scene, as the emphatic victory served as the club's retort to their ongoing turmoil.