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Real Madrid face one of the trickier away trips in European football this week — a nearly 7,000-kilometre journey to Almaty to take on Champions League debutants Kairat. The tie comes at a difficult time for Los Blancos, just days after a crushing 5–2 derby defeat to Atlético Madrid and ahead of another La Liga test against Villarreal.
Match details
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Fixture: Kairat v Real Madrid
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Competition: UEFA Champions League
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Venue: Ortalyq Stadion, Almaty
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Date: Thursday, 18 September 2025
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Kick-off: 17:45 GMT+1
Real Madrid team news
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Real Madrid arrive in Kazakhstan after an exhausting 11-hour flight from Spain.
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Dani Carvajal, Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rüdiger, Éder Militão, and Ferland Mendy are all ruled out through injury.
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Xabi Alonso may turn to Fede Valverde at right-back or hand a debut to academy defender David Jiménez.
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Rodrygo is expected to start, with Vinícius Jr. likely to be rested.
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Jude Bellingham remains in the XI as he looks to regain top form after a quiet showing in the Madrid derby.
Kairat team news
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The Kazakh champions return home after a 4–1 defeat to Sporting Lisbon in their group opener.
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Kairat are second in the domestic league and have had a full week to prepare.
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Dastán Satpáyev, 17, nicknamed the “Kazakh Lamine,” is the rising star — already scoring ten league goals this season and linked with Chelsea.
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Kalmurza, 18, is set to start in goal amid the club’s ongoing goalkeeper dilemma.
Safe calls
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Real Madrid to win: Despite travel fatigue and injuries, their quality should prevail.
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Over 2.5 goals: Kairat attack bravely at home; Madrid will have chances.
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Both teams not to score: Madrid’s experience should limit Kairat’s opportunities.
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