Real Madrid in Europe is just different. You know the feeling. The anthem starts, the white shirts look a little brighter, and suddenly a team that was struggling in La Liga starts playing like they own the continent. But honestly, the next game for Real Madrid in Champions League isn't just another fixture. It’s a massive turning point.
On Tuesday, January 20, 2026, the Santiago Bernabéu will host AS Monaco for Matchday 7 of the league phase. Kick-off is set for 9:00 PM CET. If you’ve been following the new "Swiss Model" format, you know the stakes are weirdly high right now. Madrid is currently sitting in 7th place with 12 points. They aren't in danger of dropping out yet, but they are far from comfortable. A win here basically locks them into the top eight, which is the golden ticket to skip the messy playoff round in February.
The Arbeloa Era Meets the Champions League
Let’s be real for a second. The vibe around Valdebebas is... tense.
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Following the departure of Xabi Alonso—whose tenure ended abruptly after a painful Supercopa loss to Barcelona—Alvaro Arbeloa has stepped into the dugout. It hasn't been a fairy-tale start. Just a few days ago, the team suffered a shocking 3-2 defeat to Albacete in the Copa del Rey. It was ugly. Fans are restless. Arbeloa himself told the press on Friday that he knows the Bernabéu is "hurt and disappointed."
He’s basically asking for a truce. He needs the fans to bring that "90 minuti in the Bernabéu are molto longo" energy because Monaco isn't coming to Madrid to admire the architecture.
Why Monaco is Scarier Than You Think
Monaco is currently 19th in the giant league table. On paper, Madrid should walk this. But football doesn't work on paper. Monaco is desperate for points to stay in the top 24 and keep their season alive. They just took a 3-1 beating from Lorient in Ligue 1, which means they’re coming to Spain with a bruised ego and something to prove.
They play a high-octane game that can catch Madrid’s defense sleeping. And speaking of the defense... it's a bit of a mess right now.
The Injury Crisis is Getting Ridiculous
If you’re wondering why the defense feels shaky, look at the medical report. It’s long. It’s depressing. Arbeloa is basically playing "Tetris" with his starting XI.
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- Trent Alexander-Arnold: Out with a hamstring issue.
- Antonio Rüdiger: Knee injury.
- Éder Militão: Still recovering from a tendon problem.
- Ferland Mendy: Ankle injury.
- David Alaba: We all know his long-term situation.
Essentially, the entire first-choice backline is in the treatment room. We might see a very "experimental" defense against Monaco. If they don't communicate perfectly, Monaco’s attackers will have a field day.
The Mbappe Drama
Then there’s Kylian Mbappé. The guy is the top scorer in La Liga with 18 goals, but his left knee is causing a massive headache for the coaching staff. He rushed back for the Supercopa to try and save Alonso's job, and it backfired. Now, reports from L'Equipe suggest he’s being extremely cautious.
He’s "uncertain" for the next game for Real Madrid in Champions League. While Arbeloa claims he’ll be in the squad for the weekend league game against Levante, whether he starts on Tuesday is a total coin flip. Madrid fans are divided: do you risk him now to secure the top 8, or save him for the business end of the season?
What’s Actually at Stake?
The math for the league phase is simple but brutal. The top 8 teams go straight to the Round of 16. Positions 9 through 24 have to play a two-legged playoff in February.
Madrid is 7th. They have 12 points.
- Arsenal: 18 pts
- Bayern: 15 pts
- PSG: 13 pts
- Man City: 13 pts
If Madrid beats Monaco, they hit 15 points. With only one game left after that (Benfica away on January 28), 15 points is usually the "safe zone" for a top-8 finish. If they draw or lose? They’ll likely slide into the playoff spots. Nobody wants that. The calendar is already suffocating, and adding two more high-intensity games in February is a recipe for more injuries.
Tactics: What to Expect on Tuesday
Expect Arbeloa to simplify things. When a team is in a "crisis" (and yes, at Madrid, losing two games is a crisis), they usually go back to basics.
Expect a heavy reliance on Jude Bellingham to drive the midfield. He’s been the one constant source of energy. Vinícius Júnior will have to carry the offensive load if Mbappé isn't 100%. Monaco will likely sit deep and try to exploit the space behind Madrid’s makeshift fullbacks. It’s going to be a game of patience. If Madrid doesn't score early, the Bernabéu might start whistling, and that’s when things get truly "longo" for the home side.
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Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're planning to watch or follow the match, keep these specific details in mind to stay ahead of the curve:
- Watch the Lineups: Check the official team sheet 60 minutes before kick-off. If Mbappé isn't starting, look for Endrick to get a massive opportunity on the big stage.
- Monitor the "Top 8" Race: Keep an eye on the Atlético Madrid and Liverpool scores. They are right on Madrid's heels with 12 points each. Any slip-up by them makes a Madrid draw much more survivable.
- The Yellow Card Situation: Several players are close to suspension. In this new format, carrying yellows into the final matchday against Benfica could be a disaster.
- Broadcast Info: In the US, the game is typically on Paramount+ or CBS Sports. In the UK, it's TNT Sports. Make sure your subscription is active, as the 9:00 PM CET (3:00 PM ET) slot is prime viewing time.
The next game for Real Madrid in Champions League is about more than just three points. It's about stability. It's about Arbeloa proving he belongs. And most importantly, it's about making sure the road to the final in Budapest doesn't get a whole lot harder than it needs to be.
To prepare for the match, you should double-check the final injury report on Monday evening, as the status of Rüdiger and Mbappé will likely be decided during the final training session at Valdebebas.