MADRID – The UEFA Champions League returns to the Santiago Bernabéu this Tuesday (Jan 20) as Real Madrid face AS Monaco in a Matchday 7 fixture. Kick-off is scheduled for 8:00 PM GMT.
Arbeloa’s European Baptism Amidst Turmoil
Newly appointed head coach Álvaro Arbeloa faces his first European test after succeeding Xabi Alonso. While Los Blancos secured a – victory against Levante last weekend, the atmosphere remains volatile. Fans have voiced their discontent with stars like Vinícius Jr. and Jude Bellingham, putting immense pressure on the squad to deliver a convincing continental performance.
Monaco, led by Sébastien Pocognoli, arrives in Madrid seeking to exploit the hosts’ instability. However, the French side is struggling for form, coming off a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Lorient in Ligue 1.
Historical Echoes: The 2004 Heartbreak
This fixture inevitably brings back memories of the 2003/2004 Champions League quarter-finals. Despite a star-studded “Galácticos” era featuring Zidane, Ronaldo, and Luís Figo, Madrid were stunned by a Monaco side led by Didier Deschamps. After a 4-2 win in Spain, Monaco’s 3-1 victory in the return leg—fueled by goals from Fernando Morientes—knocked the Spanish giants out on away goals.
📋✅ ¡Nuestro XI inicial!
🆚 @AS_Monaco_ES pic.twitter.com/EnTjsg1fmS— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) January 20, 2026
Team News: Predicted Starting Lineups
Both teams are grappling with significant injury lists heading into this clash.
- Real Madrid: Arbeloa is missing key defensive pillars. Rodrygo (thigh), Rüdiger (knee), and Militão (hamstring) are out, while Trent Alexander-Arnold remains sidelined.
Predicted XI: Courtois; Valverde, Raúl Asencio, Dean Huijsen, Fran García; Arda Güler, Bellingham, Tchouaméni; Mastantuono, Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior.
- AS Monaco: The Monégasques are without Takumi Minamino and Paul Pogba (calf).
Predicted XI: Kohn; Vanderson, Kehrer, Eric Dier, Caio Henrique; Akliouche, Teze, Zakaria, Golovin; Biereth, Balogun.
Thiago Nuno is a football editor and analyst covering European leagues, match statistics, and transfer market trends.
