Real Madrid are set for a rare Champions League-first when they travel to Kazakhstan to face Kairat. The clash marks the 15-time European champions’ maiden competitive trip to the Central Asian nation, making it one of the standout fixtures of Matchday 2.
Los Blancos will be eager to bounce back after their disappointing Madrid derby defeat, with the quick turnaround giving them little time to dwell on the setback. Their campaign began on a positive note with a win over Marseille, while Rafael Urazbakhtin’s men were on the receiving end of a 4–1 loss to Sporting CP. The challenge now is enormous as they prepare to host Europe’s most decorated side.
Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso is battling defensive absences with Éder Militão and Dani Carvajal joining Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rüdiger, and Ferland Mendy on the sidelines. That leaves him with just five senior defenders, forcing the decision of whether to deploy Fede Valverde or Raúl Asencio at right back.
On paper, the tie looks one-sided. Kylian Mbappé, chasing the competition’s all-time scoring elite, headlines a Madrid attack determined to make a statement. Meanwhile, Kairat will have to cope without key forwards Élder Santana and João Paulo, both sidelined with long-term ACL injuries until 2026.
Predicted Lineups
Kairat (4-2-3-1): Kalmurza; Tapalov, Martynovich, Sorokin, Mata; Kassabulat, Arad; Mrynskiy, Jorginho, Gromyko; Satpaev.
Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Huijsen, F. García; Camavinga, Tchouaméni; Mastantuono, Güler, Vinícius Júnior; Mbappé.
Prediction
Despite the long journey and limited defensive options, Madrid’s firepower should prove decisive.
Kairat 0–2 Real Madrid
