Match Preview for Real Madrid v Monaco
The Kylian Mbappe derby takes centre stage at the Bernabeu on Tuesday evening, when Real Madrid host Monaco in the league phase of the Champions League.
Los Blancos are preparing for their first European night under Alvaro Arbeloa, who has defended fans booing his players after Xabi Alonso’s dismissal.
He said: “I see you’re very worried about the whistles. I know what the Bernabeu crowd is like. I’ve told the players. If anyone’s fair, it’s the Bernabeu crowd. They want to see the style of play they like; we’re working on it. We know they’ll be on our side. The fans want to see their team. We’re focused and really looking forward to playing tomorrow. We’re convinced of it.”
Real Madrid suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Manchester City in what proved to be Alonso’s final Champions League match in charge, following a narrow loss away to Liverpool earlier in the league phase.
Despite winning their opening three European fixtures, those setbacks have left Real with work to do, as 12 points from six matches currently places them seventh in the standings, a position that would still be enough for direct qualification to the last 16.
A playoff route, however, would be emblematic of a turbulent season in the Spanish capital. Arbeloa has steadied the ship domestically, overseeing a 2-0 La Liga win over Levante at the weekend to move Real within one point of leaders Barcelona.
That result marked Real’s third consecutive home win, and the 26 shots they registered offered encouragement heading into a decisive European fixture.
Team news for Real Madrid v Monaco
Real Madrid will be without Alvaro Carreras after the left-back picked up his third yellow card of the league phase against Manchester City.
Eder Militao and Trent Alexander-Arnold remain sidelined with hamstring and thigh injuries respectively, while Rodrygo, Ferland Mendy, Antonio Rudiger and Andriy Lunin will all be assessed closer to kickoff.
Mbappe recovered from a knee issue to start and score against Levante and is expected to lead the line against his former club, having already scored nine Champions League goals this season.
Monaco have no suspension concerns, but Balogun is a doubt after being withdrawn late ahead of Friday’s Ligue 1 defeat.
Paul Pogba is unlikely to feature due to a calf injury, while Lukas Hradecky, Christian Mawissa, Takumi Minamino and Mohammed Salisu are also unavailable.
Krepin Diatta and Lamine Camara remain away on international duty and will not return in time for Tuesday’s clash.
Expected line-ups for Real Madrid v Monaco
Real Madrid: Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Huijsen, Garcia; Camavinga, Tchouameni, Bellingham; Guler, Mbappe, Vinicius Junior
Monaco: Kohn; Vanderson, Kehrer, Dier, Henrique; Akliouche, Teze, Zakaria, Golovin; Balogun, Biereth
How to watch Real Madrid v Monaco: TV channel, online live stream
Real Madrid v Monaco will be shown live on TNT Sports in the UK, with coverage beginning shortly before kick-off at 8pm.
The match will also be available to stream live via the Discovery+ app and website, while international viewers should consult local listings for Champions League coverage.
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The stats for Real Madrid v Monaco
Real Madrid have won three of their six Champions League matches this season
Monaco have lost just one of their six league-phase fixtures
Real have won their last three matches at the Bernabeu in all competitions
Monaco have gone unbeaten in five consecutive Champions League games
Kylian Mbappe has scored nine goals in the Champions League this season
Prediction
Real Madrid
3
–
1
Monaco
Madrid’s recent domestic improvement has restored some confidence, and they now face a Monaco side struggling for consistency and dealing with key absences.
While the visitors are capable of causing problems, Real Madrid’s attacking quality should prove to be too much as they strengthen their push for a top-eight finish.https://x.com/realmadriden/status/2013257520672813078
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