MADRID – Vinícius Júnior provided the perfect response to his critics on Tuesday night, leading Real Madrid to a clinical 6-1 demolition of AS Monaco at the Santiago Bernabéu. Just days after being booed by a section of the crowd during the loss to Levante, the No. 7 was given a standing ovation as he orchestrated one of the most dominant Champions League performances in recent history.
The Brazilian was the heartbeat of the team, providing three assists before scoring a world-class individual goal that signaled his definitive reconciliation with the Madridista faithful.
History Maker: Surpassing Ronaldo and Benzema
Beyond the scoreline, Vini Jr. used the night to rewrite the Real Madrid history books. With his three assists against Monaco, he reached a total of 30 assists in the Champions League, officially surpassing the marks held by club legends Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema (27 each).
Furthermore, his strike in the 17th minute a sensational solo run followed by a clinical finish into the top corner took his goal tally to 30 in the competition. This milestone sees him equal Kaká as the second-highest Brazilian goalscorer in Champions League history, trailing only Neymar.
The Arbeloa Effect
O abraço do Vini Jr. no Arbeloa 🤍 pic.twitter.com/A495SRdacH
— Real Madrid Brasil (@RealBrasil_BR) January 20, 2026
One of the most emotional moments of the night occurred during the goal celebration, as Vini Jr. sprinted to the touchline to hug manager Álvaro Arbeloa. Since taking charge, Arbeloa has been a staunch defender of the Brazilian, providing him with the confidence and the 90-minute consistency that he reportedly lacked under previous management.
“Arbeloa gives Vini the freedom to be himself,” social media analysts noted, as the forward played the full duration of the match for the third consecutive game a clear sign that he is the undisputed centerpiece of the “new” Real Madrid.
Rejection of the Saudi Siren Call?
The performance comes amidst swirling rumors of a £200 million offer from Saudi Arabia. However, Vini’s passionate celebration and his status as a record-breaker at the Bernabéu suggest that his focus remains on cementing his legacy in European football. With the knock-out stages approaching, a “reborn” Vinícius Júnior is the most dangerous weapon in Arbeloa’s arsenal.
🏁 FP: @RealMadrid 6-1 @AS_Monaco_ES
⚽ 5′ @KMbappe
⚽ 26′ @KMbappe
⚽ 51′ Mastantuono
⚽ 55′ Kehrer (p.p.)
⚽ 63′ @ViniJr
⚽ 72′ Teze
⚽ 80′ @BellinghamJude pic.twitter.com/J5XldX37cu— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) January 20, 2026
Thiago Nuno is a football editor and analyst covering European leagues, match statistics, and transfer market trends.
