You're probably staring at your screen wondering why the Santiago Bernabéu isn't lit up right now. Or maybe you're checking your betting app and seeing a bunch of conflicting kickoff times. If you're asking what time play Real Madrid today, the answer is actually a bit more nuanced than a simple "8:00 PM."
Technically, if you are looking for the men's senior squad led by Xabi Alonso, they aren't on the pitch today, January 13, 2026. They are currently in the middle of a brutal January schedule, having just come off a heart-wrenching 3-2 loss to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final two days ago. However, the club never actually stops. Today is a massive day for the Real Madrid Femenino side, who are taking on Athletic Club in a crucial Liga F clash.
Real Madrid Today: Kickoff Times and Details
For those looking for live action right now, the focus is on the Estadio Alfredo Di Stéfano. The women's team is scheduled to play Athletic Club at 7:00 PM local time (CET). If you are watching from the United States, that’s 1:00 PM ET or 10:00 AM PT.
Wait.
There’s more to the "today" schedule than just the women's match. While the first team isn't playing a competitive game, they are holding a vital training session at 11:00 AM at Valdebebas. This isn't just a light jog. Xabi Alonso is prepping the squad for tomorrow's Copa del Rey Round of 16 clash against Albacete. There’s also a press conference scheduled for this afternoon that will be broadcast live on Realmadrid TV, which usually gives us the first hints about whether Kylian Mbappé or Jude Bellingham will be rested for the cup tie.
Why the Confusion About What Time Play Real Madrid Today?
The calendar in 2026 is, frankly, a mess. Between the expanded Champions League format, the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia, and the Copa del Rey, fans are constantly searching for what time play Real Madrid today because the schedule shifts every 72 hours.
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Yesterday, Monday, was a travel day for the team returning from Jeddah. Today is a recovery and tactical day. Tomorrow, January 14, is the actual matchday for the men. They face Albacete Balompié at 9:00 PM CET (3:00 PM ET).
It's easy to get lost in the sea of time zones. If you're in the UK, the Copa del Rey match tomorrow is at 8:00 PM. In India, it’s a late one—1:30 AM on Thursday morning. The club's official site is usually the gold standard for these times, but even then, they sometimes list the "training" schedule alongside the "match" schedule, which leads to people thinking there's a game when there isn't.
Upcoming Real Madrid Fixtures (January 2026)
If you're planning your week around the Merengues, here is what the immediate future looks like. No fancy charts here, just the raw facts you need to know.
After the Albacete game tomorrow, the team returns to LaLiga action. On Saturday, January 17, they host Levante at the Bernabéu. That one is an early kickoff—2:00 PM local time. Then, the big one: the Champions League returns on Tuesday, January 20, against AS Monaco at 9:00 PM.
Basically, the players are living out of suitcases this month.
How to Watch Real Madrid Live
Knowing the time is only half the battle. Finding the right channel in 2026 feels like a treasure hunt. For today's Femenino match, your best bet is DAZN, which holds the global rights for Liga F. If you’re trying to catch the men’s training or the press conference, Realmadrid TV (available via their app or website) is the only place to see it.
For tomorrow's Copa del Rey match against Albacete:
- Spain: Movistar+ or RTVE (depending on the draw selection).
- USA: ESPN+ continues to be the home for Spanish cup football.
- UK: Premier Sports usually picks up these mid-week knockout rounds.
Navigating the 2026 "January Fatigue"
Honestly, the biggest story right now isn't just the kickoff time; it's the squad's health. Xabi Alonso has been vocal about the "calendar madness." With the new Champions League format requiring more games in January, the risk of hamstring injuries is through the roof.
Keep an eye on the lineup announcements which usually drop about 75 minutes before the match starts. If you see names like Raúl Asencio or Gonzalo García in the starting XI tomorrow, don't be surprised. Alonso is almost certainly going to rotate heavily after the Clásico loss in Saudi Arabia.
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The best way to stay updated on what time play Real Madrid today is to follow the club’s official English Twitter account (@realmadriden) or check the "Schedule" tab on the official app. They usually post a "Matchday" graphic that adjusts to your local phone's time zone, which saves you the headache of doing the math for CET vs. GMT.
Actionable Steps for Fans
First, double-check your calendar for tomorrow night if you're waiting for the men's team; the Albacete match is the one you're likely looking for. Second, if you have a subscription to Realmadrid TV, log in around 1:00 PM CET today to catch the latest injury updates from the press room. Finally, set your alerts for Saturday's Levante game now, as the 2:00 PM kickoff is much earlier than the usual night games and is very easy to miss if you're sleeping in.