Real Madrid vs Monaco Prediction: Mbappe to score more than once

The last time I wrote a Champions League introduction for a Real Madrid match, I pondered whether it would be Xabi Alonso's last in charge. Well he would survive but not for too much longer and a new man is in charge for the rest of the campaign. They face Monaco on Tuesday evening, TNT Sports 2 with kick-off set for 20:00.

Our La Liga Betting Expert got the assignment for this match and let's see if he likes Real for a good performance. All of his Real Madrid vs Monaco Predictions are below along with his full match preview...

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Match Preview: 

Real Madrid are back at the Santiago Bernabéu on Tuesday, with a top-eight finish the objective as they return to Champions League action with a home game against Monaco.  

The game comes just three days on from the toxic atmosphere that greeted Los Blancos against Levante in La Liga. Few were spared the brunt of fan anger following a dismal week that saw the club's trophy hopes dashed in two competitions.  

There was also a sense that supporters were protesting against the manner of Xabi Alonso's departure, with player power perceived to have contributed heavily towards his downfall.  

Vinícius Júnior was jeered, as he had been in each of the previous two home games. However, the Brazilian was far from the only target on this occasion, with Jude Bellingham and Fede Valverde also being whistled whenever they touched the ball. Some called for president Florentino Pérez to go, while even Álvaro Arbeloa was booed in just his second match in the job.  

As for the performance, it did improve after a sluggish first half against struggling opposition. Arbeloa deserves some credit for making changes at the interval that helped turn the game around. Arda Güler made a big impact after coming on as Real Madrid ran out 2-0 winners, with Kylian Mbappé and Raúl Asencio on the scoresheet.  

All in all, it was actually a pretty good weekend for the side from the Spanish capital, with Barcelona's defeat meaning there is now just one point separating the top two in La Liga. However, there is not much room for positivity inside the Bernabéu right now, and the pressure remains firmly on the home players to deliver in this match. 

Monaco are currently in 19th place in the Champions League standings and are likely on course for a place in the knockout round play-offs. They've shown enough in this competition so far to suggest they can be competitive in Madrid. Les Rouge et Blanc have gone five without defeat in Europe, since losing their opening game against Club Brugge 4-1 in Belgium.  

Premier League duo Tottenham and Manchester City have both dropped points against the side from the principality. Sébastien Pocognoli's team were also worthy 1-0 winners at home to Galatasaray in their last European outing in December. 

A youthful Monaco squad have tended to save their best performances for this competition. They've created 11.5 xG so far, which is the 10th-best record in the Champions League, and they really should have at least two more points on the board having totally outplayed Spurs in a goalless draw at the Stade Louis II in October. 

Their domestic form has been considerably less impressive, though. Monaco have lost seven of their last eight games in Ligue 1, and currently find themselves only in mid-table in the French top flight. 

Team News:  

Real Madrid are short on options at the back heading into this match. Left-back Álvaro Carreras is suspended after picking up his third booking in the competition against Man City last month. Éder Militão, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rüdiger, and Ferland Mendy are also dealing with injuries, while Dani Carvajal is lacking match fitness and unlikely to start.  

Rodrygo was also missing as Real Madrid saw off Levante on Saturday. The hosts are optimistic he will be able to play some part against Monaco. 

There are also significant selection issues for the visitors, which have certainly contributed to their recent domestic struggles. Lukás Hrádecký, Mohammed Salisu and Takumi Minamino are their most significant injury absentees. 

Pocognoli is also likely to again be without Lamine Camara and Krépin Diatta, who were part of the Senegalese squad that won the Africa Cup of Nations in controversial fashion on Sunday. 

Match Odds: 

Real Madrid are the 2/7 favourites to put three more Champions League points on the board. The Draw is available at 5/1, while you can back Monaco to win the game at 9/1. 

If you're expecting a big performance from the hosts, Real Madrid -2.0 Handicap is priced at 7/4. They are also on offer at 9/4 to score over 3.5 goals across the 90 minutes, while you can back a home win to nil at 7/5. 

Alternatively, Both teams to score is priced at 4/6. You can back Monaco to score over 1.5 goals in the game at 11/4, while Draw or Monaco is on offer at 12/5 in the Double Chance market. 

Mbappé leads the way as the 2/1 favourite to score first against his old club, while the 27-year-old is very short at 2/5 to score anytime. You can back Vinícius to silence his critics with a goal at 21/20. 

From a visiting perspective, former Arsenal forward Folarin Balogun may offer the main threat. The American has scored in each of his last three Champions League appearances, and is priced at 3/1 to find the back of the net at the Bernabéu. 

*You can see all of our Real Madrid vs Monaco Odds and betting markets over on betfred.com

Bet 1 - Raúl Asencio 1+ shots & Real Madrid over 6.5 corners @ 13/8 via Bet Builder 

There haven't been many positives of late for Real Madrid, but Asencio's improved form has been one. He has showcased his ability to pick a pass from defence, useful in a side lacking creative quality in midfield. The 22-year-old is also frequently offering a threat from set-piece situations. 

The centre-back had three attempts against Levante, and has scored in each of his last two outings at the Bernabéu. With Los Blancos winning 19 corners in their two matches so far under Arbeloa, I'm using the Bet Builder to back Asencio 1+ shots and Real Madrid over 6.5 corners at 13/8. 

Bet 2 - Kylian Mbappé to score two or more goals @ 15/8 

The change in the dugout is unlikely to alter much when it comes to Real Madrid's reliance on Mbappé in the final third. This will still be a team that is largely built to serve the Frenchman, who had six attempts at the weekend. The fact he got through 90 minutes suggests the striker is now over his recent fitness issues. 

On the Champions League stage, there has been no stopping Mbappé this season. He has registered nine goals in just five appearances in the competition, netting once every 49 minutes. 

With Monaco missing key centre-back Mohammed Salisu, they've looked vulnerable at the heart of their defence of late. Their only league outings so far in 2026 have ended in 3-1 defeats at home to Lyon and Lorient. That suggests this could be another enjoyable night for their former striker, and I'm backing Mbappé to score two or more goals at 15/8. 

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Mark Sochon P/L 25/26 Season:

• Points Staked: 140
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You can check out Mark's Football Betting Tips along with those from the rest of the Betfred Insights Football writers on our Football home page...