In the UEFA Champions League Round 7, Real Madrid delivered a dominant performance at the Santiago Bernabéu, thrashing AS Monaco 6–1.
The emphatic victory not only showcased Real Madrid’s attacking firepower but also helped the Spanish giants temporarily climb to second place in the league standings, strengthening their position in the knockout-stage race.
Beyond the convincing scoreline, the night belonged to 18-year-old Argentine prodigy Mastantuono, who scored his first-ever Champions League goal.
The young midfielder-turned-attacker justified the club’s long-term investment and became one of the most talked-about figures of the match, drawing applause from fans and praise from analysts alike.
Vinícius Assists, Mastantuono Finishes with Maturity Beyond His Years
The breakthrough moment arrived in the 52nd minute. Vinícius Júnior, already a constant menace on the left flank, danced past multiple defenders at the edge of the penalty area before delivering a perfectly weighted diagonal pass.
Timing his run to perfection, Mastantuono surged forward from the right channel and calmly guided the ball into the net, extending Real Madrid’s lead to 3–0 and effectively putting the game beyond Monaco’s reach.
What stood out most was not just the goal itself, but the composure with which it was taken. For an 18-year-old making his mark on Europe’s biggest stage, the finish reflected maturity, confidence, and an understanding of elite-level football that belies his age.
Rapid Progress and Historic Numbers
This strike marked Mastantuono’s Champions League debut goal and his third goal in 20 appearances across all competitions since joining Real Madrid, with 12 of those matches coming as starts.
Before this, he had already opened his scoring account in both La Liga and the Copa del Rey, underlining his steady adaptation to the demands of top-level European football.
Statistically, the goal was historic. At just 18 years and 159 days old, Mastantuono became the third-youngest scorer in Real Madrid’s Champions League history. Only Endrick (18 years, 58 days) and club legend Raúl (18 years, 113 days) have found the net at a younger age in the competition.
Second-Youngest Argentine Scorer After Messi
From a national perspective, the achievement carries even greater weight. Mastantuono is now the second-youngest Argentine to score in Champions League history, trailing only Lionel Messi. He has also surpassed highly rated youngster Nico Paz, who is widely tipped as a future star and may yet become a club teammate.
Mastantuono: I’m Not the New Messi, and I’m Not a Failed Signing
After the match, Mastantuono addressed the polarized opinions surrounding his rise.
“From a very young age, evaluations of my football have always been extremely divided, some people call me the new Messi, while others say I’m a disaster and the worst signing Real Madrid have made,” he said.
He continued with notable self-awareness: “But I know very clearly that I’m neither Messi nor a failed signing. I work hard every day, and my only goal is to become the best version of myself.”
Proof Under New Leadership: A Journey Just Beginning
Mastantuono was a player strongly endorsed by former head coach Xabi Alonso. Following the managerial change, questions inevitably arose about his long-term future at the club.
However, this Champions League breakthrough under new head coach Álvaro Arbeloa served as the most precise possible answer.
Rather than fading into the background, Mastantuono has stepped up on Europe’s biggest stage, sending a clear message that his Real Madrid story is only just beginning, and certainly far from a fleeting moment.
