Real Madrid host AS Monaco at the Santiago Bernabéu on Tuesday night as the UEFA Champions League league phase enters its decisive Round 7. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 UTC (1:30 AM IST, January 21).
With qualification still finely balanced, Real Madrid are aiming to push toward the top-eight automatic qualification places, while Monaco arrive three points behind the Spanish giants and in need of a strong away performance to keep their campaign alive.
Match Details
The match will be officiated by Norwegian referee Espen Eskås, with Pol van Boekel overseeing VAR duties. There is no live score yet as kick-off approaches, but anticipation is high under the Bernabéu lights.
Match Context
Under head coach Alberto Arbeloa, Real Madrid have shown attacking promise in Europe despite some domestic inconsistency. The Spanish side remain formidable at home and will rely heavily on their frontline, spearheaded by tournament top scorer Kylian Mbappé, who has netted nine goals in the competition so far.
Monaco, meanwhile, have struggled for consistency in Ligue 1 but remain dangerous in Europe. They trail Madrid by three points and know a positive result in Spain could dramatically reshape their qualification hopes.
Team News
Real Madrid
Madrid face several fitness concerns. Antonio Rüdiger (knee) and Rodrygo (physical issue) are doubts, while Éder Militão, Ferland Mendy, Álvaro Carreras (suspended), and Trent Alexander-Arnold are ruled out.
Predicted Real Madrid XI (4-3-3):
Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Huijsen, García; Güler, Tchouaméni, Bellingham; Mastantuono, Mbappé, Vinícius Jr.
AS Monaco
Monaco’s absentees list is lengthy. Lamine Camara is suspended, while Lukas Hradecky, Christian Mawissa, Mohammed Salisu, Paul Pogba, and Takumi Minamino are all sidelined through injury.
Predicted Monaco XI (4-3-1-2):
Köhn; Vanderson, Kehrer, Dier, Henrique; Akliouche, Teze, Zakaria; Golovin; Biereth, Balogun.
Head-to-Head
The two sides have met only twice before, in the 2004 Champions League quarter-finals. Monaco won 3–1 at home, but Real Madrid responded with a 4–2 victory at the Bernabéu to advance on away goals, leaving the overall record evenly balanced.
Key Players
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Mbappé remains Madrid’s primary threat, combining pace, finishing, and big-game experience.
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Jude Bellingham continues to dictate tempo from midfield.
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For Monaco, Folarin Balogun — with seven Champions League goals — is their most potent outlet, supported creatively by Aleksandr Golovin.
Tactical Outlook
Real Madrid are expected to dominate possession and press high, exploiting Monaco’s defensive absences. Monaco, by contrast, are likely to sit compact and look to counterattack quickly through Balogun’s movement and Golovin’s vision.
Prediction
Despite recent domestic tensions, Real Madrid’s home advantage and attacking depth make them favorites. Most analysts predict a 2–0 victory for Real Madrid, though Monaco’s counterattacking quality could pose moments of danger.
As the Champions League league phase nears its conclusion, this clash at the Bernabéu could prove pivotal for both sides’ European ambitions.
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