The 2025/26 UEFA Champions League — Matchday 7 features Real Madrid against AS Monaco on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid, Spain.
This match is crucial for both teams’ aspirations in the group stage, with Real Madrid looking to secure their spot in the knockout rounds and Monaco fighting to stay alive in the competition.
📅 Match Details
Competition: UEFA Champions League 2025/26 — Matchday 7
Date: Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Stadium: Santiago Bernabéu (Madrid, Spain)
Time: Around 21:00 CET / 15:00 Ecuador/Peru/Colombia and 17:00 Argentina/Chile/Uruguay.
🔎 General Context
This clash has some history — the only previous encounter between Real Madrid and Monaco in the Champions League was in the 2003/04 season, with the French side advancing on away goals.
Additionally, this match marks the first European fixture for Real Madrid under Álvaro Arbeloa, who took over as coach after Xabi Alonso’s departure amid some internal tension.
⚠️ Team News and Injuries
Real Madrid comes into this match with several key absences due to injury and suspension, including players like Rodrygo, Eder Militao, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ferland Mendy, and Álvaro Carreras (suspended), which will force Arbeloa to make adjustments in both defense and attack.
🧠 Possible Lineups
Real Madrid (Formation: 4-3-3)
Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
Defenders: Federico Valverde, Dean Huijsen, Raúl Asencio, Fran García
Midfielders: Aurélien Tchouaméni, Jude Bellingham, Arda Güler
Forwards: Vinícius Júnior, Kylian Mbappé, Franco Mastantuono
💡 Mbappé, former Monaco player, is one of the major attacking threats and is in good goal-scoring form this Champions League season.
AS Monaco (Formation: 4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Philipp Köhn
Defenders: Vanderson, Eric Dier, Thilo Kehrer, Caio Henrique
Midfielders: Jordan Teze, Denis Zakaria, Maghnes Akliouche, Aleksandr Golovin
Forwards: Folarin Balogun, Mika Biereth
This lineup reflects Monaco's intent to compact their lines and try to surprise Real Madrid with quick counterattacks.
📌 Match Key Points
Qualification Battle: Real Madrid needs to secure a victory to improve their position in the group and avoid complications in the final matchday.
Mbappé vs His Former Club: The French forward has extra motivation to shine against the team that helped launch his career.
Defensive Concerns: Madrid’s defensive absences may open up spaces for Monaco to exploit on the counter.
History and Pressure: The Bernabéu is usually a tough place for visitors in the Champions League, and Monaco knows they must take points to keep their hopes alive.
📺 Where to Watch
Broadcasting varies by region, but channels like ESPN, Disney+, and other streaming services usually offer live coverage of the match.
