You've been there. It’s Sunday morning, you’ve got your coffee, and you're ready to see the world's most famous white shirts take the pitch, only to realize the schedule is a total mess. If you are frantically searching for what time is madrid playing today, I have some news that might be a bit of a letdown—but it’s important for your planning.
Real Madrid actually played yesterday.
They faced Levante at the Santiago Bernabéu on Saturday, January 17, at 2:00 PM CET. If you're looking for a live match right this second, you’re essentially looking at a training ground. Today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, the squad is already back at Valdebebas. They aren't resting; they are recovering because the Champions League is breathing down their necks.
When Is the Next Real Madrid Match?
Since they aren't on the grass today, your eyes should be on Tuesday. The European nights are back. Real Madrid will host AS Monaco in the Champions League on January 20.
That game kicks off at 9:00 PM CET. For those of you following from across the pond, that’s 3:00 PM ET or 12:00 PM PT. It’s a massive fixture. Monaco has been surprisingly resilient this season, and with the new Champions League "League Phase" format, every single point feels like a life-or-death situation.
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Honestly, the schedule in January is a gauntlet. Between the Spanish Super Cup (which they just finished), the Copa del Rey, and the league, the players are basically living in their suitcases. Xabi Alonso—who is now firmly in the driver's seat of this squad—has been rotating the lineup like crazy to keep legs fresh.
Breaking Down the Upcoming Schedule
If you want to plan your week around the Merengues, here is what the calendar looks like:
- Tuesday, Jan 20: Real Madrid vs. Monaco (Champions League) – 9:00 PM CET
- Saturday, Jan 24: Villarreal vs. Real Madrid (La Liga) – 8:00 PM CET
- Wednesday, Jan 28: Benfica vs. Real Madrid (Champions League) – 9:00 PM CET
The Villarreal game is always a trap. The Estadio de la Cerámica is a nightmare for visiting teams. If Madrid drops points there, the title race with Barcelona—who plays Real Sociedad today, by the way—gets even tighter.
Why The "What Time Is Madrid Playing Today" Search Is So Tricky
Broadcasters love to move games. It's annoying. You might see a Sunday slot listed three weeks in advance, but then La Liga or the TV rights holders (like DAZN or Movistar in Spain, or ESPN+ in the US) decide a Saturday afternoon slot will pull better ratings.
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In 2026, the scheduling has become even more erratic. The expansion of the Club World Cup and the new Champions League format means teams like Madrid are playing almost every three days.
Yesterday's 2:00 PM CET kickoff against Levante was a "family-friendly" slot. It’s designed to capture the Asian market's prime time and the early morning crowd in the Americas. If you missed it, don't feel too bad; the pace of modern football is designed to make you feel like you're constantly catching up.
Injury Updates and Training Today
Since it’s Sunday and the team is at the training center, what are they actually doing?
Recovery.
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The players who logged heavy minutes yesterday—likely Vini Jr., Jude Bellingham, and Kylian Mbappé—are doing "active recovery." Think ice baths, light stretching, and massage.
We are also keeping a close eye on the medical tent. David Alaba’s long-term recovery continues to be a talking point, and there have been whispers about a minor knock to Eduardo Camavinga. The club usually stays quiet about these things until the Tuesday pre-match press conference, but social media "insiders" are already speculating.
How to Never Miss a Kickoff Again
Stop relying on Google’s snippet which sometimes lags behind last-minute changes.
- Download the Official App: The Real Madrid official app is surprisingly decent. It pushes notifications for "Lineups Out" and "Kickoff" about 60 minutes before the game.
- Check the "Calendario": Go straight to the source at RealMadrid.com. It’s the only place where the times are 100% confirmed by the club.
- Time Zone Converters: If you are outside of Spain, use a tool like "World Time Buddy." CET (Central European Time) is usually 6 hours ahead of New York and 9 hours ahead of Los Angeles.
Madrid is in a pivotal part of the season. They are chasing a treble, and the pressure is immense. Every game matters. Even if they aren't playing today, the preparation for Tuesday is where the trophies are actually won.
Actionable Next Steps
To make sure you are ready for the Monaco clash on Tuesday:
- Check your local listings: In the US, the Champions League is typically on Paramount+ or CBS Sports. In the UK, it's TNT Sports. Make sure your subscription hasn't expired.
- Sync your digital calendar: You can actually download the Real Madrid fixture list directly into your Google or Apple Calendar from their website. It auto-updates when the league shifts a game from Sunday to Saturday.
- Watch the Highlights: Since you missed the Levante game, go to the official YouTube channel now. They usually post a "Behind the Scenes" or "All Goals" video within 24 hours of the final whistle.
The grind never stops in Madrid. Enjoy the Sunday break, because Tuesday night under the lights at the Bernabéu is going to be intense.