If you’re scrambling to find out what time Real Madrid play, you aren't alone. It’s a bit of a nightmare keeping track of the schedule right now. One day they’re in Riyadh for the Super Cup, the next they’re traveling to a tiny stadium in the Copa del Rey, and then—boom—it's Tuesday night and the Champions League anthem is blaring.
Right now, the big one on everyone's calendar is the European clash. Real Madrid faces AS Monaco at the Santiago Bernabéu this Tuesday, January 20, 2026. Kickoff is set for 9:00 PM local time (CET).
For those of us watching from across the pond in the States, that’s 3:00 PM ET or 12:00 PM PT. It’s a midweek afternoon slot, so maybe "work from home" that day? Just a suggestion.
The Immediate Schedule: January 2026
Life under Xabi Alonso has been intense. After that weird, frustrating loss to Albacete in the Copa del Rey and a heavy Super Cup final against Barca, the team is under a microscope. They need a win against Monaco to keep that top-eight spot in the Champions League league phase.
Here is the breakdown of the upcoming fixtures so you don't miss a beat.
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- Tuesday, Jan 20: Real Madrid vs. AS Monaco (Champions League) – 9:00 PM CET / 3:00 PM ET
- Saturday, Jan 24: Villarreal vs. Real Madrid (La Liga) – 9:00 PM CET / 3:00 PM ET
- Wednesday, Jan 28: Benfica vs. Real Madrid (Champions League) – 9:00 PM CET / 3:00 PM ET
- Sunday, Feb 1: Real Madrid vs. Rayo Vallecano (La Liga) – 2:00 PM CET / 8:00 AM ET
Basically, if it’s a midweek game this month, you’re looking at a 9:00 PM local start. The weekend games are a bit more of a gamble. That Rayo Vallecano game on February 1st is an early one, which is kinda nice for the European fans but means a very early coffee for the West Coast crew.
Why the Kickoff Times Change So Much
It's honestly a bit annoying, right? You’d think they could just pick a time and stick to it. But La Liga and UEFA have different agendas. La Liga tries to spread games out so they don't overlap, which is why you see Madrid playing at 2:00 PM one week and 9:00 PM the next. They want the Asian markets to see the early games and the American markets to see the late ones.
Money talks.
The Champions League is more "traditional." They almost always stick to that 9:00 PM CET slot for the big matches. It’s that prime-time European night feel. When you’re wondering what time Real Madrid play in Europe, 9:00 PM Madrid time is usually a safe bet.
Where to Watch Real Madrid Live
Watching the games has become a subscription scavenger hunt. In the US, the rights are split. If it’s a La Liga game, you’re looking at ESPN+ or ESPN Deportes. Sometimes they throw a big game on the main ESPN channel, but the app is the most reliable place.
For the Champions League, it's a different world. You’ll need Paramount+ for the English broadcast. If you prefer the Spanish commentary (which, let’s be real, is usually more exciting), it’s on ViX or Univision.
In the UK, it's mostly TNT Sports for the European nights and Premier Sports for the league action.
Real Madrid's Form and What to Expect
Honestly, it’s been a bit of a rollercoaster lately. Missing key players like Carvajal has hurt the defense, even with Trent Alexander-Arnold filling in roles. The pressure is on Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior to start converting those chances that went begging against Albacete.
The Monaco game is huge. Madrid is currently sitting 7th in the Champions League table. A win almost guarantees them a direct ticket to the round of 16, skipping that messy playoff round in February. Nobody wants extra games in a season that’s already packed.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
- Sync your calendar: Go to the official Real Madrid website and use their "Add to Calendar" feature. It automatically adjusts for your time zone.
- Check the lineups early: Lineups are usually posted on X (formerly Twitter) about 60 to 75 minutes before kickoff.
- Verify your subscription: Make sure your Paramount+ or ESPN+ login actually works before the whistle blows. There's nothing worse than missing a goal because you had to reset your password.
- Watch for time zone shifts: If you are in the UK, remember that Madrid is one hour ahead. If the game is at 9:00 PM in Spain, it's 8:00 PM for you.
Staying updated on what time Real Madrid play requires a bit of vigilance this season, especially with the new Champions League format and the constant shuffling of La Liga kickoff times for TV. Keep an eye on the official match previews released 24 hours before the game for any last-minute changes.