The Champions League brought its healing touch to a Bernabéu with wounds still fresh. A touch with components well-suited for Madrid's troubles. Firstly, because the return to the competition that gives meaning to its history always brings solemnity, and booing doesn't fit in with solemnity. Secondly, not everyone who booed was present, with a more diverse audience in the European landscape than in the league. It was as if the stands at Las Ventas were filled with "tourists". The team needed that buoyant atmosphere as much as the spaces left by a naive Monaco, bold in attack but weak in defense, not the same team as at the start of the tournament. For Vinicius, Mbappé, and the rest, it was like returning to paradise lost.
Real Madrid delivered a flawless and peaceful performance that solidifies the team in the 'Top 8'. This is where Xabi Alonso left them, but after the Albacete incident, anything could have happened. Madrid was able to run, as they like. They did so with great precision, as shown by the first two goals, in precise transitions, involving most of the attacking players and finished by Mbappé.
Vinicius: "I don't want to be booed in my own home"
These were the brightest moments of play for Madrid in a while, and this should be a starting point for Arbeloa, entangled in his statements. If what happened against Monaco is already a result of his work, he should stay quiet and continue. Serious on the sidelines, he observed, applauded, embraced Vinicius, and gave playing time to academy player Meso.
Madrid not only ran but also pressed from start to finish. Monaco couldn't handle it. The Principality team is in the middle of the Champions League, far from their glory days. They arrived at the Bernabéu after four consecutive defeats. The return of Pogba was supposed to be the cornerstone of their project. Absent at the Bernabéu, for now, it's a failure. The bet on Ansu Fati, positioned behind Balogun, a physical and uncomfortable forward, barely resembles the player who amazed with his breakthrough at Barcelona. His knee has been his worst opponent.
Arbeloa once again used Valverde as a full-back and placed Camavinga on the left wing. Injuries forced maneuvers that were not favored in the past, neither on the pitch nor higher up. Güler returned to the midfield with Bellingham and Tchouaméni, and Mastantuono appeared alongside Mbappé and Vini. From midfield onwards, identical to Xabi Alonso's choice. Mbappé played his part, scoring two goals, Vinicius provided two assists, to the Frenchman and Mastantuono, and from his cross came the fourth goal, as Keher put the ball into his own net.
The Brazilian was missing his goal, although with such a performance as he had, no one would demand it from him. However, he had a great opportunity to redeem himself, with more space than ever. When he could maneuver at the edge of the box, he took his chance and placed the ball into the top corner. He turned around and barely celebrated. He went towards his teammates and Arbeloa, whom he embraced. No one has said "I love you" to him as many times in the past few days. Vini's life is like living permanently on a bridge. On one side, love; on the other, hate.
The high performance was collective because, in addition to Vini and Mbappé, Mastantuono had one of his best games as a Madrid player, crucial in the first goal and scorer of the third. Valverde, Mastantuono, Valverde, and Mbappé were involved in the sequence of that goal, flawless. The second goal started from Camavinga's heel, with Güler and Vini involved before the Frenchman's goal. Even better.
The prelude boosted Real Madrid's self-esteem against a Monaco that approached Courtois but only found the net due to a mistake by Ceballos. With each step forward, they left their field full of traps against an insatiable Madrid, who kept stealing until Bellingham's goal, the sixth on a day of redemption.