Real Madrid landed in Almaty, Kazakhstan, on Sunday night after a journey of over 6,000 kilometers to face Kairat in the second round of the UEFA Champions League. The match, set for Tuesday at 1:45 PM (Brasília time), takes place in the farthest city the club has ever visited in the competition. The logistics required special planning, with the delegation departing 48 hours before the game. The Spanish team aims to recover from a heavy defeat in the Spanish Championship.
The match against Kairat, a debutant in the Champions League group stage, poses challenges beyond the distance. Coach Xabi Alonso faces a depleted defense due to injuries, while the opponent, backed by a packed stadium, relies on eight days of rest to pull off an upset. The cross-time-zone journey demanded adjustments for player adaptation. Real Madrid seeks to stay focused in a matchup blending complex logistics and an unfamiliar opponent.
- Challenging logistics: A 6,000-kilometer trip to Almaty.
- Defensive absences: Five players injured, including Éder Militão and Dani Carvajal.
- Kairat’s debut: Kazakh team plays its first Champions League group stage match.
👋 ¡Llegamos al campo! pic.twitter.com/SwgJX0yOLj
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) September 29, 2025
Match preparation
Real Madrid began the journey on Sunday afternoon, departing from Madrid to Almaty. The team arrived at night, facing an eight-hour time difference.
The 48-hour advance was planned to minimize the impact of the long trip. The squad held a light training session on Monday, focusing on climate and field adaptation.
Defensive shortages and adjustments
Real Madrid’s defense is hampered by injuries to key players. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antônio Rüdiger, and Ferland Mendy were already sidelined before the Atlético Madrid clash.
Last Saturday, Éder Militão suffered an ankle injury, and Dani Carvajal sustained a muscle injury, with an estimated one-month recovery. Xabi Alonso will rely on youth academy players like Asencio and Huijsen.
David Alaba will be the only experienced defender available. The makeshift lineup may include Fran García and David Jiménez in adjusted roles.
The lack of cohesion concerns the coaching staff for the Almaty match. Kairat, with a rested squad, may exploit these weaknesses.
Kairat’s historic debut
Kairat, founded in 1954, makes its first appearance in the Champions League group stage. The Kazakh team, leading their domestic league, expects 30,000 fans at Almaty Ortalyk Stadium.
The team had eight days to prepare exclusively for the match, with no domestic games. The Kazakh coach plans a defensive setup to counter the attack led by Vinícius Júnior.
Kairat aims to mark its debut with a notable result. The local crowd promises a hostile atmosphere for Real Madrid.
Logistics and adaptation
The 6,000-kilometer trip required detailed planning, including a chartered flight and strategic stops. The club brought nutritionists and physiologists to monitor the players.
Almaty’s eight-hour time difference from Madrid poses an additional challenge. The coaching staff adjusted sleep and meal schedules to mitigate jet lag.
Xabi Alonso’s strategy
Under pressure after a 5-2 loss to Atlético Madrid, Xabi Alonso seeks a win to boost team morale. The coach plans a cautious approach, prioritizing possession.
The absence of defensive starters forces tactical changes, with midfielders taking on more defensive duties. Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo are key to breaking through in attack.
Expectations in Almaty
The match marks the first-ever meeting between Real Madrid and Kairat. Almaty, in eastern Kazakhstan, is buzzing with excitement for the Spanish club’s arrival.
The game is seen as a milestone for local football, with tickets sold out in hours. UEFA highlighted the match as one of the round’s most anticipated events.
