Real Madrid vs AS Monaco: Champions League Showdown at the Bernabéu
Real Madrid vs Monaco prediction The Santiago Bernabéu hosts a crucial Champions League encounter this Tuesday as Real Madrid face AS Monaco in what’s being called the “Kylian Mbappé derby”—a clash between two clubs at different crossroads in their European campaigns.
Real Madrid: New Era Under Arbeloa
Los Blancos begin a fresh chapter with Álvaro Arbeloa at the helm for his maiden Champions League fixture. His appointment came after Xabi Alonso’s reign concluded following a disappointing 2-1 home reverse against Manchester City. Combined with an earlier stumble against Arsenal, Real have suffered twice in their previous three European matches.
Having kicked off the season with three consecutive victories, Madrid’s qualification status has become less certain. Six matches have yielded 12 points, positioning them seventh overall—enough for automatic last-16 qualification, but offering minimal breathing room. Any misstep risks dropping into the playoff spots, an uncomfortable scenario for Europe’s most decorated club. fixed matches today
Arbeloa has steadied the ship after an unexpected Copa del Rey elimination at the hands of Albacete. His first match delivered a solid 2-0 La Liga triumph against Levante, cutting Barcelona’s lead to a single point. The victory extended Real’s home winning streak to three games, with their 26 attempts against Levante marking the third-most shots recorded by any new Madrid manager since 2003-04.
Soccer predictions
The Manchester City defeat carried consequences beyond the result. Álvaro Carreras sits out through suspension after earning his third booking of the competition. He’s unavailable alongside Eder Militão (hamstring strain) and Trent Alexander-Arnold (thigh problem), while Rodrygo, Ferland Mendy, Antonio Rüdiger, and Andriy Lunin require last-minute assessments. Positively, former Monaco star Mbappé recovered from a knee complaint to find the net versus Levante, bringing his Champions League total this season to nine—a personal record. best fixed matches
AS Monaco: Fighting for Survival
Monaco sit three points behind Real but occupy 19th place in the 36-team table, desperately battling to remain in European contention. real fixed matches
Manager Sébastien Pocognoli has instilled determination in his squad, with only an opening loss to Club Brugge blemishing an otherwise impressive five-game undefeated European stretch. Folarin Balogun’s decisive goal against Galatasaray secured a 1-0 victory, elevating them to 19th—currently the final playoff qualification spot. free fixed matches
Yet consistency eludes the French side. Their last six matches across all tournaments have produced alternating results, including a surprising 3-1 home loss to Lorient just days ago. Their solitary previous Champions League encounters with Real occurred in 2003-04, when Monaco memorably knocked out the Madrid powerhouse on away goals at the quarter-final stage.
Squad Update fixed games today
Monaco arrive without suspended players, though Balogun’s availability remains doubtful following his early exit against Lorient. Losing him would significantly weaken their attack, considering his recent European form.
Ansu Fati and Mika Biereth stand ready as potential replacements. The injury list includes Paul Pogba, Lukas Hrádecký, Christian Mawissa, Takumi Minamino, and Mohammed Salisu, while Senegalese internationals Krépin Diatta and Lamine Camara stay sidelined after Africa Cup of Nations duties.
Historical Context for tips
These teams share limited history, having met just twice competitively—both occasions during the 2003-04 Champions League quarter-finals. Real claimed the opening leg 4-2 at the Bernabéu, but Monaco produced a memorable 3-1 comeback in Monaco, advancing on away goals. The rarity of this fixture adds extra intrigue, while Monaco’s historic upset proves that European football’s established order can be challenged.
Final Analysis for this preview
Madrid’s Levante victory provided temporary relief, but underlying issues persist. Defensive absences create potential opportunities for Monaco, particularly if they can capitalize early.
However, Arbeloa’s offensive firepower—spearheaded by Mbappé—should ultimately make the difference. Real Madrid appear set to consolidate their top-eight position, while Monaco must produce something special to sustain their European aspirations.
Prediction: Over 2.5 total goals for Real Madrid