Madrid Derby Kicks Off Supercopa Femenina as Champions League Thrills Await on January 20, 2026
Spanish football highlights January 20 with the Supercopa Femenina launch in Castellón, a Madrid derby opener, and pivotal Champions League clashes featuring Real Madrid and Villarreal.
- • The Supercopa de España Iberdrola starts in Castellón with four top women’s teams competing.
- • Real Madrid faces Atlético de Madrid in the tournament opener, favored due to Athenea del Castillo's strong form.
- • A new VAR system is being trialed allowing coach review requests without dedicated video referees.
- • In the Champions League, Real Madrid meets Monaco and Villarreal plays Ajax on the same day.
- • FC Barcelona, defending Supercopa champion, plays Athletic Club without injured star Aitana Bonmatí.
Key details
January 20, 2026, marks a thrilling day in Spanish football with key Champions League matches and the kickoff of the Supercopa de España Iberdrola women's tournament in Castellón. The action begins at the SkyFi Castalia stadium where the Supercopa de España Iberdrola features four top teams, including Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, competing for the title. The tournament opens with a much-anticipated Madrid derby between Atlético de Madrid and Real Madrid at 19:15, where Real Madrid is favored, boosted by the form of Athenea del Castillo.
FC Barcelona, the reigning champion having won the last four editions, will face Athletic Club in the next matchday but will be without star player Aitana Bonmatí due to a leg injury. The tournament is notable for introducing a new video assistant referee (VAR) system on trial by FIFA and IFAB, allowing coaches to request reviews without a dedicated video referee team. Fans in Castellón can also enjoy a Fan Zone, weather permitting, even though some planned events, including a Supercopa history exhibition, were canceled following a tragic train accident.
Simultaneously, Spanish fans are gearing up for crucial UEFA Champions League fixtures. Real Madrid is set to face Monaco in the penultimate Champions League match at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, with supportive crowds expected following an inspiring pre-game speech by Kylian Mbappé. Villarreal will compete against Ajax in another key Champions League encounter on the same day.
Besides football, January 20 also features ongoing sports events with the Spanish national handball team, the 'Hispanos,' competing in the European Championship, basketball Euroliga matches, and tennis tournaments in Australia.
This convergence of elite women’s football with major Champions League ties underscores a vibrant day for Spanish sports fans, bringing pivotal club battles and innovative refereeing to the fore. The Supercopa final is slated for Saturday, promising further excitement as teams vie for the prestigious trophy.
This article was translated and synthesized from Spanish sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
