A Ruthless Start at the Bernabéu

Real Madrid came into the night looking to confirm their momentum, and they did so almost immediately. Under Álvaro Arbeloa, the hosts set the tone early as Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring within minutes against AS Monaco, before adding his second soon after.

The Santiago Bernabéu witnessed a commanding performance, with the French forward dictating the tempo from the opening exchanges.

A Record That Echoes Cristiano Ronaldo

With his brace, Mbappé reached 11 goals in the group stage of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League, matching the iconic mark set by Cristiano Ronaldo during the 2015/16 season with Real Madrid.

That campaign saw Ronaldo score 11 times in six matches. Nearly a decade later, Mbappé has drawn level — fittingly against the club where his professional journey began.

Ballon d’Or Numbers

Mbappé’s season continues to gain weight with every appearance. The double against Monaco lifted his tally to 32 goals in 27 matches across all competitions, firmly establishing him as Real Madrid’s attacking centerpiece.

Beyond the numbers, his influence has been unmistakable, placing him squarely among the leading contenders for the Ballon d’Or.

The Next Target Is Already Clear

Matching the record is not the end point. Mbappé now has his sights set on Cristiano Ronaldo’s all-time Champions League single-season record of 17 goals, achieved in 2013/14.

With Real Madrid still alive in the competition and the Frenchman in scintillating form, the knockout rounds offer a realistic stage for history to be rewritten.

The European chase is only part of the picture. This summer, Mbappé will also pursue a second World Cup title with the France national team.

For now, though, each night in Madrid reinforces the same feeling: these are no longer distant milestones — they are immediate, attainable goals.

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