Madrid's Long Haul to Almaty: Can Real Turn Derby Pain Into Champions League Momentum?
30 septembre 2025
Madrid's Grueling Quest to Almaty
Days after a painful derby defeat, Real Madrid faces a grueling trip to Central Asia, specifically Almaty in Kazakhstan, to face Kairat in the second group stage match of the Champions League.
More than 6,400 kilometers separate Madrid from home as they chase a win and restored confidence in a match that looks straightforward on paper but is a real test tactically and physically.
The journey goes beyond a single fixture; it is a chance to wash away the wounds after the heavy 5-2 defeat to Atlético Madrid, which hit the scoreboard and left the squad with injuries and absences.
Defender Eder Militao suffered a serious left ankle injury, ruling him out of travel; Antonio Rudiger remains unavailable, and David Alaba has shown fitness fluctuations, appearing only a few minutes this season.
This forced coach Xabi Alonso to make emergency choices, notably rethinking the backline and handing Federico Valverde the right-back role as Carvajal is suspended and out. The rest of the squad is filled with makeshift options as they prepare for the long trip.
Team News and Key Matchups
In goal, Thibaut Courtois remains the undisputed starter, especially in away games played in challenging conditions.
The midfield offers Alonso flexibility, with Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga and Dani Ceballos providing balance, while Jude Bellingham continues to anchor the engine room.
Up front, the plan reportedly includes resting Kylian Mbappé after a heavy spell, potentially paving the way for either Endrick or Gonzalo García to start. On the wings, Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo are in the mix, with Rodrygo perhaps earning the starting nod.
Travel fatigue and a tight schedule add to the challenge, and Madrid knows a positive result in Kazakhstan would be vital ahead of their next group game against Juventus.
The squad that traveled included several young players to cover absences, alongside established stars like Mbappé and Endrick who could feature from the bench if needed.
Even if Kairat Almaty is theoretically the weaker side in the group, they hope to stage a surprise in front of their home crowd at the historic Central Stadium, relying on the emotional lift that comes with playing at home. Such games often feature surprises, whether from the opponent or the weather and the pitch.
Madrid arrives with several injury problems: Carvajal is suspended in Europe after the red card against Marseille, with Militao, Rudiger, and Mendy sidelined by injuries.
Nevertheless, the European quest and the emblematic “Meringue” crest remain powerful motivators to compensate fans and restore confidence; fans won't accept excuses in these matches.
In the end, the big question remains: can Madrid salvage the derby pain with a win in Almaty, or will surprises come from the far east of Europe? The ninety minutes will tell, and the Champions League does not forgive missteps as Real Madrid chases their sixteenth European trophy.
Hopefully, the club's plan pays off and the younger players gain experience; the team will fly back with more questions than answers if the trip ends in a draw. The journey continues, and the road to sixteenth continues to glow—metaphorically, of course, since the trophy isn’t on a lightbulb.
Punchline 1: If defending were comedy, Madrid would headline a stand‑up show—laughter included, trophies optional.
Punchline 2: The ball will roll, arguments will fly, and somewhere in the mix a plane ride will be blamed for a few sloppy passes. Still, hey, at least the jokes travel well with the squad.
