The energy around the Santiago Bernabéu right now is... complicated. Honestly, it’s been a week that most fans would probably like to delete from their memories. We've seen Xabi Alonso leave the dugout, a shock exit in the Copa del Rey to Albacete, and a defeat in the Supercopa final against Barcelona.
But football doesn't stop for a mourning period. If you’re asking when does real madrid play, you’re likely looking for the light at the end of the tunnel. That light currently looks like Alvaro Arbeloa, who just secured his first win as manager against Levante.
The schedule coming up is absolutely relentless. We are deep into the winter grind where the Champions League and La Liga collide, and every point feels like it’s being dragged through the mud.
The Immediate Fixture: Champions League Nights Return
Real Madrid’s next big test is in Europe. They host Monaco at the Bernabéu on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
Kickoff is set for 9:00 PM CET (that’s 3:00 PM EST for the fans across the pond). This isn't just another group stage—well, league phase—match. Real is currently sitting in a decent spot in the Champions League table, but Monaco has been surprisingly stingy this season.
👉 See also: Left Hand Up Who Are We The Commanders: How a Simple Chant Defined a New Era in D.C.
Arbeloa needs this win to prove that the 2-0 victory over Levante wasn't just a "new manager bounce" fluke. Kylian Mbappé is back in the scoring column after his penalty against Levante, and he’ll be the focal point again.
Real Madrid vs. Monaco Match Details
- Date: Tuesday, January 20, 2026
- Time: 9:00 PM local (CET) / 3:00 PM EST
- Venue: Estadio Santiago Bernabéu
- Competition: UEFA Champions League (Matchday 7)
Survival in La Liga: The Away Trip to Villarreal
After the midweek European lights fade, the team has to pack their bags. On Saturday, January 24, 2026, Real Madrid travels to face Villarreal at the Estadio de la Cerámica.
Villarreal is always a nightmare. Seriously. They just lost to Betis, so they’ll be looking to take out their frustration on a Madrid side that has looked shaky at the back lately.
✨ Don't miss: Where is the Euro Cup Being Played: What Most Fans Get Wrong
Expect a late kickoff for this one, likely around 9:00 PM CET. The "Yellow Submarine" has a knack for catching Madrid on the counter, and without the defensive stability of players like Rüdiger or Mendy—who have been dealing with fitness issues—this could be a high-scoring affair.
Closing Out January in Lisbon
The final match of the month is a big one. Madrid travels to Portugal to face Benfica on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.
This is the eighth and final matchday of the Champions League opening round. Depending on the result against Monaco, this could be a "must-win" to secure a top-eight finish and avoid those annoying playoff rounds in February.
The atmosphere at the Estádio da Luz is basically a cauldron. It's going to be loud, it's going to be hostile, and it’s going to be a massive test for Arbeloa’s tactical flexibility.
Looking Ahead: February’s Local Rivalries
If you’re planning your life around the TV schedule, February doesn't offer much of a breather.
- February 1: Real Madrid vs. Rayo Vallecano (Home)
- February 8: Valencia vs. Real Madrid (Away)
- February 14: Real Madrid vs. Real Sociedad (Home)
The Valencia game at the Mestalla is always circled in red on the calendar. Given the history and the intensity of that rivalry, it's rarely a "normal" football match. It's more of a battle.
How to Watch and What to Expect
In the United States, your best bet remains ESPN+ for La Liga and Paramount+ for the Champions League. In the UK, TNT Sports holds the keys to the European matches.
The big story to watch isn't just the dates, but the personnel. Arbeloa is currently navigating a mini-injury crisis. We're talking about five or six key defensive players sidelined. This means guys like Raúl Asencio are getting thrown into the deep end.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you are trying to keep track of the chaos, here is what you should actually do:
- Check the Lineups Early: Follow the official Real Madrid X (Twitter) account exactly 60 minutes before kickoff. Arbeloa has been tinkering with the midfield to protect his thin defense.
- Watch the "League Phase" Standings: Don't just look at the score. In this new Champions League format, goal difference and total goals scored are huge for seeding. Every 90th-minute goal matters.
- Monitor the Transfer Market: With the January window open and the defense looking like a MASH unit, keep an eye on Florentino Pérez. Rumors of a defensive signing are picking up steam now that the Alonso era has ended so abruptly.
The season is far from over. Barcelona is only a point ahead in the league, though they have that game in hand. If Madrid can survive this January gauntlet without dropping more points, the title race is going to be a photo finish.
Stay updated on the official kickoff times for the February fixtures as La Liga often confirms the exact time slots only 2-3 weeks in advance.