Rafael Nogueira
Real Madrid host AS Monaco on Champions League League Phase Matchday 7 with the new 36-team format raising the pressure. Madrid sit 7th on 12 points and can take a huge step toward a top-eight spot and direct Round of 16 qualification. Monaco are 19th on nine points and chasing playoff security before a decisive final matchday. It’s also Alvaro Arbeloa’s first European night in charge at the Santiago Bernabéu after Real’s managerial shake-up, so the stakes are as much about momentum as they are about points.
Match Preview
This Matchday 7 fixture lands at a pivotal moment in the league phase: two games left, and every point reshapes the table. Real Madrid are 7th with 12 points (4W-0D-2L, 13:7), inside the top-eight places that go straight to the Round of 16. Monaco are 19th with nine points (2W-3D-1L, 7:8), sitting in the playoff range and still needing results to avoid a nervy finish.
Madrid’s build-up has been dominated by the exit of Xabi Alonso after the Spanish Super Cup final loss to Barcelona. Interim boss Alvaro Arbeloa has already had a turbulent start, including a 3-2 Copa del Rey loss to Albacete, followed by a 2-0 La Liga win over Levante. This is his first Champions League match in charge, and a win would put Real on 15 points and strengthen their top-eight push ahead of Matchday 8 versus Benfica.
Monaco arrive after a 3-1 Ligue 1 defeat to Lorient, but their European form has been steadier: unbeaten in five Champions League matches since their opening loss to Club Brugge. The injury list matters. Real have multiple defensive absences and doubts, while Monaco’s key concern is Folarin Balogun’s availability after picking up an issue versus Lorient. There’s also history: Monaco famously eliminated Real Madrid in the 2003-04 Champions League quarter-finals on away goals.
Where to watch on TV & Live Stream
Kick-off is 21:00 CET on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at the Santiago Bernabéu (Madrid). UK viewers can watch Champions League action on TNT Sports. In the USA, Paramount+ is the main Champions League home. In Canada, DAZN carries the competition.
| Region/Country | Kick-off Time (Local) |
| UK | 20:00 (GMT) |
| USA (ET) | 16:00 |
| USA (PT) | 13:00 |
| Australia (Sydney) | 08:00 (AEDT, Jan 21) |
| Japan | 06:00 (JST, Jan 21) |
| India | 01:30 (IST, Jan 21) |
How to watch Real Madrid vs Monaco online
Most regions will stream this match through the official Champions League rightsholder in your country. In the UK, TNT Sports subscribers can stream via discovery+. In the USA, Paramount+ is the primary streaming option for Champions League coverage. Canada viewers can stream on DAZN, which carries Champions League matches as part of its subscription package. Australia streams Champions League on Optus Sport. Japan coverage runs through WOWOW, including its on-demand service. Pricing varies by market; the dossier lists examples like DAZN Canada (CAD $24.99/month) and WOWOW (about ¥2,530/month). Always check your local schedule for the exact channel lineup on the night.
| Country | Official Broadcaster/Stream |
| UK | TNT Sports, discovery+ |
| USA | Paramount+, TUDN |
| Canada | DAZN |
| Australia | Stan Sport |
| China | iQIYI |
| Germany | DAZN |
| Denmark | Viaplay |
| Spain | Movistar |
| Portugal | DAZN |
| France | Canal+ |
| Poland | Canal+ |
| Ukraine | Megogo |
| Japan | WOWOW |
| Africa | SuperSport |
| Brazil / Argentina | TNT Brazil / Disney+ |
Spotlight Countries
- United Kingdom: Watch on TNT Sports. Stream the same coverage on discovery+ with the right subscription.
- United States: Stream Champions League on Paramount+. Some matches may also be available via TUDN or DAZN depending on your setup.
- Canada: DAZN is the Champions League destination and streams the match live. You only need a DAZN subscription and a supported device.
- Australia: Stan Sport has Champions League rights and is the official way to stream. Check the Stan Sport match hub for kick-off and studio coverage.
- Japan: WOWOW broadcasts and streams Champions League, including via WOWOW on Demand. Kick-off is early morning local time on Jan 21.
How to watch anywhere with VPN
A VPN can help you access your usual streaming service when you travel, since Champions League streams are geo-restricted by rights territory. Use a VPN that supports the devices you watch on (iOS, Android, desktop, Smart TV). Step-by-step: 1) Install and open your VPN app. 2) Connect to a server in your home country (for example, the UK for TNT Sports/discovery+ access). 3) Log in to your streaming platform and start the live stream. Use the official broadcaster for your region and keep your subscription active to avoid playback issues.
How to watch at Sportsbooks
Some sportsbooks sometimes offer football live streams for eligible users. Availability varies by country, competition, and licensing, and Champions League streams are often restricted compared to domestic leagues. If your sportsbook supports match streaming, the usual process is: 1) Register or log in. 2) Deposit funds (many platforms require a funded account). 3) Open the live section and look for a “Play” icon next to the match. If no stream appears, use the official broadcaster listed above.
Real Madrid vs Monaco is a late-stage league phase showdown with direct qualification and playoff positioning on the line. Kick-off is 21:00 CET at the Bernabéu. Check your local listings, lock in your stream early, and don’t miss it.