Real Madrid vs Monaco – UEFA Champions League 2025-26 Match Preview

The match between Real Madrid vs Monaco has generated a lot of buzz, because both teams are vying to secure a victory to strengthen their position in the UEFA Champions League 2025-26. Real Madrid is currently under a lot of pressure, as their recent performances in the tournament have been very disappointing. This would be their first match under Alvaro Arbeloa, who has been recently appointed as the Madrid coach after the sacking of Xabi Alonso.

As far as Monaco is concerned, they are also under the scanner after having a disappointing run in the ongoing UEFA Champions League season. They are facing the threat of early elimination from the tournament, so winning the next match is quite vital for them. Since it is an away game, Monaco will experience less support as compared to Los Blancos, who will be seen in action on their home turf.

The new Real Madrid boss, Alvaro Arbeloa, will certainly try to start his stint with the club on a high note, but it will not be a straightforward task. Considering the form of his players, he needs to devise a renewed plan to get Real Madrid back on a winning track.

In this blog, we will review the Real Madrid vs Monaco UEFA 2025–26 match that will be played on January 21 at the iconic Estadio Santiago Bernabéu. Let’s take a look at the complete squads of both teams below.

Real Madrid Squad for UEFA Champions League 2025-26

Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois, Andriy Lunin, Fran González, Javier Navarro

Defenders: Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, David Alaba, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Raúl Asencio, Álvaro Carreras, Fran García, Antonio Rüdiger, Ferland Mendy, Dean Huijsen, Diego Aguado, Jesus Fortea, David Jiménez, Joan Martínez, Victor Valdepeñas

Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Arda Güler, Dani Ceballos, Jorge Cestero, Pol Fortuny, Manuel Ángel, César Palacios, Cristian Perea, Hugo de Llanos, Thiago Pitarch

Forwards: Vinícius Júnior, Endrick, Kylian Mbappé, Rodrygo, Gonzalo, Brahim Díaz, Franco Mastantuono, Daniel Yañez

AS Monaco Squad for UEFA Champions League 2025-26

Goalkeepers: Lukas Hrádecký, Philipp Köhn, Jules Stawiecki, Yann Lienard, Yanis Benchaouch

Defenders: Vanderson, Eric Dier, Jordan Teze, Thilo Kehrer, Caio Henrique, Christian Mawissa, Kassoum Ouattara, Mohammed Salisu, Samuel Nibombe, Nick Mokabakila

Midfielders: Denis Zakaria, Paul Pogba, Aleksandr Golovin, Maghnes Akliouche, Lamine Camara, Stanis Idumbo, Takumi Minamino, Aladji Bamba, Mamadou Coulibaly, Ilane Toure, Pape Cabral

Forwards: Folarin Balogun, Mika Biereth, George Ilenikhena, Lucas Michal, Ansu Fati, Joan Tincres, Iliès Belmokhtar

Real Madrid vs Monaco UEFA Champions League 2025-26: Match Preview

Real Madrid would come against Monaco with a clear ambition of winning the match. After facing disappointing defeats in the recent Champions League matches, they would like to turn their fortunes in the upcoming match. Since it is a home game, they will get plenty of support from the fans who will enter the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu to cheer their favorite team.

The role of Kylian Mbappé would be vital in the upcoming match, as he is the superstar of Los Blancos in the ongoing season. Unfortunately, the midfield lineup of Madrid have looked puzzled in the last few games, which hasn’t allowed Mbappe to be at his best on the ground. It will be a challenge for Alvaro Arbeloa to devise a new lineup that can address the struggles the team has faced in recent matches.

From the perspective of Monaco, they will depend on Lucas Michal to find the gaps in the troubled midfield of Real Madrid. Although the chances of Monaco look dim in the absence of Paul Pogba, they will still hope to stir some magic to keep their Champions League hopes alive.

Venue Details of Real Madrid vs Monaco UEFA Clash

Venue: Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid

Competition: UEFA Champions League 2025/26

Final Words

Fans are eagerly awaiting the Real Madrid vs Monaco clash on January 21, as it promises to be a thrilling contest. With both teams looking to keep their qualification hopes alive, the game is expected to deliver power-packed action in both halves. It will be interesting to see which lineups both teams field, as injury concerns have troubled both camps. All eyes will be on Alvaro Arbeloa’s game strategy, as he has just taken charge of Real Madrid, promising to revive their campaign this season.