The Champions League throws up a rare clash tonight as Kazakhstan’s Kairat host giants Real Madrid in Almaty. It’s David vs Goliath on Matchday 2 — and while Kairat are still chasing their first ever win in major European competition, Real arrive with the weight of history, pedigree, and expectation behind them. Can the hosts shock the world, or will Madrid’s machine roll on?
Matchday Talking Points
- Rare Fixture: This is only the second time a Kazakh side has faced Spanish opposition in the Champions League, after Astana vs Atlético in 2015-16.
- Madrid’s Record vs New Opponents: Los Blancos have lost just three of their last 30 meetings when facing a team for the first time in Europe.
- Kairat’s Struggles: This is only Kairat’s fourth home match in Europe’s top competitions — they are still searching for a first victory.
- Madrid’s Reach: Real have beaten 111 different opponents in Europe, more than any other team. The only clubs they’ve faced and never beaten? Arsenal, AEK Athens, and Lille.
- Away Woes?: Madrid have lost both of their last two Champions League away games — could Kairat’s Ortalyk Stadion witness another stumble?
Lineups
Kairat (4-4-2)
GK: S. Kalmurza
DEF: Y. Tapalov, A. Martynovich, E. Sorokin, Luís Mata
MID: A. Mrynskiy, D. Kasabulat, O. Arad, V. Gromyko
FWD: Jorginho, D. Satpayev
Substitutes: Lev Kurgin, Adilet Sadybekov, Giorgi Zaria, Olzhas Baybek, Aleksandr Shirobokov, Edmilson, Dias Reymov, Jug Stanojev, Bakhtiyar Aldashev, Ricardinho
Manager: R. Urazbakhtin
Real Madrid (4-2-3-1)
GK: T. Courtois
DEF: F. García, D. Alaba, D. Huijsen, R. Asensio
MID: A. Tchouaméni, D. Ceballos, V. Júnior, A. Güler, F. Mastantuono
FWD: K. Mbappé
Substitutes: Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde, Endrick, Rodrygo, Andriy Lunin, Gonzalo García, Álvaro Carreras, Brahim Díaz, Javier Navarro Jiménez, David Jiménez
Manager: X. Alonso
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