If you’re scrambling to figure out what time is the game Real Madrid fans have circled on their calendars, you aren't alone. Today is Sunday, January 18, 2026. If you're looking for a match right this second, you actually just missed one. Real Madrid took care of business against Levante yesterday, January 17, with a solid 2-0 win at the Santiago Bernabéu. It was a necessary "get right" game after that bizarre Copa del Rey exit to Albacete earlier in the week.
But the big one—the one everyone is searching for—is the return of the Champions League.
When Does Real Madrid Play Next?
The next time the Men in White take the pitch is Tuesday, January 20, 2026. They are hosting AS Monaco in the Champions League league phase. This is Matchday 7 of the new European format, and for those asking what time is the game Real Madrid vs Monaco, the answer depends entirely on where you are sitting in the world.
For the locals in Spain, it’s a classic 9:00 PM CET kickoff. It's that late-night atmosphere the Bernabéu is famous for. If you are watching from the United States, you'll want to clear your afternoon.
- Eastern Time (ET): 3:00 PM
- Central Time (CT): 2:00 PM
- Pacific Time (PT): 12:00 PM
- UK (GMT): 8:00 PM
Honestly, these mid-week Champions League games are kind of a logistical nightmare for fans in the Americas. You’ve basically got to sneak a window open on your work computer or take a very long "lunch break."
Where to Watch the Madrid Game
Knowing the time is only half the battle. You actually have to find the right channel, which is getting harder every year with all the different streaming rights.
In the United States, Paramount+ is your primary home for the Champions League. They’ll have the English broadcast. If you prefer the Spanish call—which, let's be real, is usually more energetic—ViX or TUDN are your best bets. For the fans in the UK, it’s going to be on TNT Sports.
Why This Specific Match Matters
You might think a January league phase game isn't a big deal, but Madrid is under a microscope right now. Xabi Alonso’s squad (yes, the Alonso era is in full swing) has had a rocky start to 2026.
They lost the Spanish Super Cup final to Barcelona 3-2 on January 11. Then, just three days ago, they were dumped out of the Copa del Rey by Albacete. People are starting to whisper. The 2-0 win over Levante yesterday calmed the nerves a bit, but the Champions League is where this club defines itself. If they stumble against Monaco at home, the pressure on Alonso is going to reach a boiling point.
Expected Lineup and Injuries
Don't expect many surprises, but keep an eye on the fitness of the usual suspects. Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé are healthy and expected to start. The big question is how the defense holds up. With the January window open, there are always rumors, but for Tuesday, expect the veteran core to carry the load.
- Thibaut Courtois in goal (obviously).
- A back four likely featuring Rüdiger and Éder Militão.
- Valverde and Camavinga providing the engine in the middle.
Tracking the Rest of January
Once the Monaco game is over, the schedule doesn't get any easier. If you are planning your month, here is the roadmap:
- January 24 (Saturday): Away at Villarreal. Kickoff is 9:00 PM CET (3:00 PM ET). This is always a trap game at the Ceramica.
- January 28 (Wednesday): Away at Benfica. Another Champions League night, 9:00 PM CET kickoff.
It's a relentless cycle. Basically, if it’s a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Saturday, there’s a high probability Real Madrid is playing.
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Actionable Tips for Fans
To make sure you never miss a kickoff, do yourself a favor and sync the official Real Madrid calendar to your phone. Google Calendar and iCal both have "Interest" sections where you can subscribe to sports teams. It automatically adjusts for your local time zone so you don't have to do the mental math between CET and EST.
Also, if you're using a VPN to watch games from other regions, make sure you connect at least 15 minutes before the what time is the game Real Madrid schedule says. Servers get crowded, and there is nothing worse than missing a goal because your stream is buffering.
Check your local listings by Monday evening. While the 9:00 PM CET slot is standard for Champions League, broadcasters sometimes shift pre-game coverage, and you don't want to be hunting for a link while the anthem is playing.